Two-car collision sends drivers to hospital

AUSTERLITZ — A Ghent man has been charged with drunken driving after a two-car crash on State Route 203 near Braley’s Corners on Saturday that ended with a fire in one of the vehicles and the rescue of the trapped driver, according to state police Monday.

William A. Dunkin II, 59, was charged Saturday with driving while intoxicated, an unclassified misdemeanor, according to state police.

The crash was reported to state police at 10:15 p.m., state police Sgt. Danielle Karug said Sunday.

As first responders assisted the other driver, who was trapped in his vehicle, a fire ignited in the engine compartment, according to state police.

Dunkin was out of his vehicle when state police arrived at the scene, Public Information Officer Aaron Hicks said Tuesday.

The trapped driver was extricated from his vehicle by members of the Austerlitz and Spencertown fire companies and the Chatham Rescue Squad, according to the Chatham Fire Department, which also responded.

State police identified the driver as Jack Shear, 82, of Austerlitz.

An off-duty emergency medical technician was one of the first to arrive at the scene. The EMT supported Shear’s neck until help arrived, police said. A state trooper used the fire extinguisher in his cruiser to put out the fire.

Shear was driving a 2008 Mercedes and Dunkin was driving a 2012 Subaru Outback, state police said.

The two drivers sustained minor injuries, according to state police.

Dunkin was taken to Columbia Memorial Health complaining of chest pains. Shear was taken to Albany Medical Center complaining of chest and neck pains.

Dunkin was issued traffic tickets. His court appearance is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 7 in Austerlitz Town Court.