A terrifying video captured the moment a New York highway worker narrowly missed being hit by a box truck that violently plowed into two labor vans on a roadside.
The wild incident unfolded in a work zone with signs indicating “mowing ahead” on Interstate 81 near Whitney Point on Oct. 28, according to state officials.
In the startling footage, the New York State Department of Transportation worker can be seen throwing his hands up along the shoulder of the roadway and running away seconds before the 26-foot yellow Penske rental truck obliterated the flashing DOT vehicles, before veering off the road.
The worker’s hard hat flew off his head as he fled to safety, according to footage the DOT posted to X.
“Our highway workers put their lives on the line every day to keep NY roads safe, and this recent crash on I-81 near Whitney Point is a frightening reminder of the dangers they face,” the DOT said in its post.
“Drivers: Slow down, move over, stay alert in work zones–these simple actions can save lives.”
The reckless driver, identified as Muhammed A. Wesley, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona, was traveling north on the interstate when he failed to observe the work area and the two DOT vehicles parked on the shoulder, according to state police.
Police said they are investigating the horrifying crash and reminded motorists to avoid any vehicle stopped on the side of the road, per state law.
There were no serious injuries, state officials said.
“THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!” the New York State Thruway Authority posted to X.
“This video from our partners @NYSDOT comes in the same week that the Thruway lost one of our beloved colleagues who was hit and killed while simply doing his job. Our roadside workers NEED YOUR ATTENTION. Help them get home safe and SLOW DOWN!”
The near-fatal incident happened days before a Thruway worker was hit and killed on I-90 in Chautauqua County while doing roadside maintenance.
