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A shocking video captures the moment a New York City Department of Transportation employee escaped death seconds before a truck wrecked vehicles

A chilling video captured the moment a New York City highway worker narrowly avoided being hit by a box truck that plowed violently into two work vans on the side of the road.

According to state officials, the wild incident occurred Oct. 28 in a work zone on Interstate 81 near Whitney Point that had signs reading “Mow Ahead.”

In the startling footage, the New York State Department of Transportation employee is seen throwing his hands over the side of the road and running away, seconds before the 26-foot yellow Penske rental truck obliterates the flashing DOT vehicles before veering off the road .

Penske's rental truck struck the two DOT vehicles before leaving the road. X / @NYSDOT

The worker's hard hat flew off his head as he scrambled to safety, according to footage the DOT posted to X.

“Our road workers put their lives on the line every day to keep New York City's roads safe, and this recent accident on I-81 near Whitney Point is a frightening reminder of the dangers they face,” said the DOT in its contribution.

In the footage, the New York State Department of Transportation employee can be seen throwing his hands up along the shoulder between the two work vehicles. X / @NYSDOT
Seconds before the near-fatal accident, the worker fled. X / @NYSDOT

“Drivers: Slow down, move around, stay alert in the work area – these simple measures can save lives.”

The reckless driver, identified as Muhammed A. Wesley, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona, was traveling north on the highway when he failed to pay attention to the work zone and the two DOT vehicles parked on the side of the road, according to state police.

The worker's hard hat flew off his head as he scrambled to safety. X / @NYSDOT

Police said they were investigating the horrific accident and, in accordance with state law, reminded motorists to yield to any vehicle stopped on the side of the road.

There were no serious injuries, state officials said.

“This is unacceptable!” The New York State Thruway Authority posted to X.

“This video from our partner @NYSDOT comes the same week that the Thruway lost one of our beloved colleagues who was struck and killed while doing his job. Our road workers NEED YOUR ATTENTION. Help them get home safely and slow down!”

The near-fatal incident occurred days before a highway worker was struck and killed while performing roadside maintenance on I-90 in Chautauqua County.