State Police say the driver who caused a fatal accident with an ambulance fell asleep at the wheel.
Police say the driver told them she fell asleep and are investigating this possibility, as well as distracted driving.
According to police, the driver submitted a blood test and it was determined that she was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. No charges have been filed at this time.
According to New York State Police, an EmergyCare ambulance was traveling eastbound on State Route 5 in Dunkirk when it left the roadway and entered a ditch and struck culvert around 5:40 p.m. Tuesday.
Troopers say the ambulance was taking Arthur R. McArthur, 77, of Dunkirk, from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, to a nursing home in Chautauqua County. McArthur sustained life-threatening injuries and died at the scene.
Troopers say the 49-year-old ambulance driver was taken to a nearby hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
New York State Police are continuing to investigate. The driver is cooperating with the police.
