Truck hurtles off I-88 overpass in Richmondville

Above: A Fox 23 news clip about a fiery accident on Sunday in the town of Richmondville.

A terrifying accident near the I-88 overpass over Route 7 in Richmondville left one dead and two with serious burns on Sunday.

According to a New York State Police press release, a tractor-trailer was driving west on I-88 when it left the overpass and plunged onto Route 7 below, striking a passenger vehicle. Both cars burst into flames.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was found dead in the wreckage. Two people in the other car were airlifted to Westchester Medical Center with serious burns. Neither the truck driver nor the car's injured occupants have been identified.

The truck was not carrying any hazardous materials, police say.

A Fox 23 reporter spoke to a witness near the scene yesterday:

Witnesses said they heard the explosion and ran out to see a huge plume of smoke, and the truck in flames.

"I've never witnessed anything like it," said Pam Cronk, who was a witness to the scene. "The explosion was so big, and big pops...the tires were blowing because the whole thing was on fire."

The accident is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call state police in Cobleskill at 518-234-9402.