One dead, one critical in Route 17 crash

CHESTER – A man was killed and a woman critically injured in a two-car crash on Route 17 in the Town of Chester.  Both victims are from Congres
The accident, which occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, claimed the life of Steven Dauksza, 27, who was driving a pickup truck. His passenger, Michelle Rodriguez, also 27, was transported to Orange Regional Medical Center in the Town of Wallkill with chest and pelvis injuries. She is listed in critical but stable condition, police said.
Troopers said Dauksza’s pickup was entering Route 17 eastbound from exit 126 when it began to accelerate in the driving lane in an attempt to pass a vehicle in the passing lane.  As the truck began to move into the passing lane, it struck the rear of an SUV.
Dauksza lost control of his truck, which left the right side of the road, rolled down an embankment and ejected both occupants.