BETHLEHEM, N.Y. (NEWS10)– The Bethlehem Police Department is investigating two car accidents that happened on Route 9W on Friday involving the same driver. According to the police station, one accident resulted in the death of an 88-year-old woman from Glenmont.
Officers said they responded to Route 9W for reports of an erratic driver around 12:48 p.m. While responding, they were advised of a crash near Wemple Road.
An initial investigation determined the crash happened when the car, being driven by William Morehouse, 83, of West Coxsackie, crossed over into the southbound lane, hitting a Bethlehem Senior Transportation Service vehicle head-on.
A passenger in the transportation car, identified by police as Jean Hipwell, 88, of Glenmont, was transported to St. Peter’s Hospital for chest pain, and later died.
The driver of the transportation car was not injured, but Morehouse was transported to the hospital for a leg injury.
While investigating that crash, police reported that Morehouse was in an additional crash on Route 9W near Church Road, just two minutes prior to the head-on collision. Officers said the crash was caused when Morehouse allegedly crossed over into the southbound lane, sideswiping another car.
Neither Morehouse nor the second driver were injured in the crash, police added.
Both crashes, however, remain under investigation.
