One Dead in crash at Valvoline in Town of Halfmoon

A 50 year old Schenectady man died after a crash at a Valvoline in the Town of Halfmoon. 

Sikander Samuel of Schenectady died on Jan. 12 at Albany Medical Center after he was pinned between two vehicles while working at the Valvoline on Route 9 in the Town of Halfmoon. 

The crash occurred when a vehicle waiting in line to be serviced suddenly accelerated into the vehicle in front of it which was also waiting to be serviced. As a result of the collision, the two vehicles forced a third one — which was being serviced in the bay at the time — to crash through a glass garage door at the front of the service bay. 

Samuel was initially transported to Albany Medical Center with leg fractures and possible internal injuries. No cause of death was listed at the time. Deputies said the operator of the vehicle that struck Samuel, a 63-year-old man from Schaghticoke, is cooperating with the investigation. 

The crash and death caused the Valvoline to close it’s doors for two days. It reopened on Jan. 13. In a statement to the media, the company who owns the franchise, offered their sympathy to the family. 

“Everyone across our franchise is heartbroken by the death of our colleague following the tragic incident on Saturday. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read. “We are continuing to cooperate fully with the authorities as they investigate, and we are committed to supporting his family and our entire team as we navigate this loss together.”