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CLAVERACK, NY - A chase that exceeded according to police radio reports 100 mph ended in a two-vehicle fatal accident in the Columbia County town of Claverack on March 5, 2010.

Claverack firefighters and Greenport Rescue Squad were dispatched at approximately 2:30 p.m. to the scene of the accident on state Route 9H, south of the intersection with state Route 23 by State Police who were in pursuit of a vehicle and driver that fled police in the Dutchess County town of Red Hook.

The driver of the car, which was being pursued by troopers, Columbia County sheriff's deputies and Red Hook town police, had rounded a corner in the opposite lane and struck a dump truck head-on. Just prior to the accident, a trooper had radioed his dispatchers that the car was exceeding 100 mph.

The force of the crash sent the dump truck off the road and down an embankment where it landed on its side. The car being pursued disintegrated, leaving parts in the road for several-hundred feet before coming to rest in the parking lot of an area business.

Claverack firefighters secured the scene, closing state Route 9H for several hours and stabilizing the vehicles. Greenport Rescue Squad requested mutual aide from Philmont Rescue Squad. Medical personnel treated the driver of the truck on the scene, but he refused further medical treatment.

The driver of the car who was fleeing police was pronounced dead on the scene by Columbia County Coroner Angelo Nero.