SHARE

Driver Who Slammed Into Parkway Gas Station Was From Connecticut

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – New York State Trooper John Vescio, who was one of the six people injured in the Mobil gas station accident and fire Tuesday, pulled one of the other drivers out of a burning car to safety, police said.

This is the back of State Trooper John Vescio's car after the accident.

This is the back of State Trooper John Vescio's car after the accident.

Photo Credit: New York State Police
Photo Credit: New York State Police

Vescio was filling up his unmarked police vehicle at the Hutchinson River Parkway gas station on his way to work when the accident occurred.

At 11:17 a.m., a 69-year-old man, who has been identified as Joseph Bucci of Middlebury, Conn., sped into the station and slammed into another car pumping gas and the pump itself. Police said he was having a diabetic emergency. 

Vescio was on the other side of that pump, which then fell on top of him. Despite his injuries, he crawled out from under the pump housing before Bucci’s car caught fire and pulled him out to safety. He then directed others away from the fire, according to a New York State Police press release.

“Despite Senior Investigator Vescio’s own injuries, he remained focused and committed to saving the life of the operator of that Toyota,” Capt. Dominick Chiumento, who was at the scene, said in a statement. “If not for his swift response, the situation could have turned much worse.”

Vescio was one of three to be taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He has been released, but Bucci remains at Westchester Medical Center on Wednesday, said Kieran O'Leary, public information officer for Westchester County police. 

The Westchester County Department of Public Safety is handling the accident investigation.

Vescio had ammunition in his trunk, which resulted in “popping noises,” according to Chiumento. However, he said none of Vescio’s weapons or ammunition was missing nor compromised. Other equipment in the trunk and the car itself were heavily damaged in the fire.

to follow Daily Voice Darien and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE