HERKIMER, N.Y. (UPDATED) – A tractor-trailer driver died in Herkimer after a crash on the Thruway Wednesday morning closed down both eastbound lanes between exits 30 and 31.
State police say the accident happened around 6:30 a.m., when 31-year-old Eusterio A. Rodriguez Martinez, of the Bronx, veered out of the westbound lane, hitting the center median and rolling over, blocking the westbound left lane and both eastbound lanes.
Rodriguez Martinez was ejected from the tractor-trailer, and pronounced dead at the scene.
A passenger in the tractor-trailer, 32-year-old Manaury Caraballo, of Manhattan, was in the sleeper berth during the crash, and was taken to St. Elizabeth Medical Center to be treated for injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening.
After the tractor-trailer rolled over, the door opened and caused minor damage to a box truck heading eastbound, driven by 44-year-old Johnny T. Burke, of East Syracuse. Burke was not injured, according to police.
Traffic was detoured to Exit 31 for several hours after the accident.
Police say the investigation is ongoing, but police say no charges will apply.
