Herbert Overbeck, Jean Esquilin-Melendez Injured in Sheridan, NY Crash on Rt 20
Sheridan, NY — June 21, 2022, 40-year old Herbert Overbeck and 30-year old Jean Esquilin-Melendez were injured in a traffic accident on Route 20 in Sheridan.
According to reports the incident happened Tuesday in the area of Route 20 and Aldrich Road. Preliminary investigation suggests a westbound van lost a rear wheel as it traveled along the highway. The loose wheel then hit an eastbound TPS Fuel truck driven by Esquilin-Melendez.
The impact with the wheel caused the fuel truck to veer into the oncoming lane, where it hit Overbeck's pickup truck head-on. That crash made the fuel truck go partially off the Thruway bridge where the crash occurred. Both trucks, stuck together after the impact, caught fire and became fully engulfed.
Overbeck and Esquilin-Melendez escaped their trucks. Overbeck was taken to a hospital by private vehicle and Esquilin-Melendez was airlifted to another hospital for treatment of injuries and burns.
The van driver reportedly continued away from the scene for some distance before trying to hide the vehicle and then leaving on foot. Police found the van but were still seeking the driver as of the most recent reports.
The investigation is ongoing. No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Herbert Overbeck, Jean Esquilin-Melendez Accident in Sheridan
The specifics of this crash are fairly unique, but boiled down it appears to essentially be a hit-and-run. The van driver tried to escape after setting events in motion when they lost a wheel, so it's important that authorities find that person and hold them accountable for the damage done.
Reports say the driver left on foot after trying to hide the van, but police found the vehicle. That's bound to be a useful piece of evidence as they can follow the paper trail back to its owner. Sometimes the registrant is the suspect and if not they at least often know where to find them.
Hit-and-run crashes are hugely frustrating to read about, to say nothing of what the victims had to endure at the hands of someone who tried to avoid responsibility. Hopefully if police release any new details and developments and the public cooperates with any helpful tips they can provide, this situation can be properly resolved and the victims can get some help.
