PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A worker died Thursday after being struck by a vehicle in a construction zone on West Street.

 

Police say Shane Cassavant, 49, of Lanesborough was working in the roadway when he was struck by an eastbound 2015 Chevrolet Colorado operated by Edward Ladouceur, 87, of Pittsfield, who entered the construction zone.

 

Cassavant was taken to Berkshire Medical Center where he later died of his injuries. 

 

The crash was reported at about 7:52 a.m. in the area of  777 West St.; police, fire, and Action Ambulance responded.

 

Prior to the crash, the eastbound lane was closed to traffic for construction and vehicles were being directed into the westbound lane by a flagger just west of Tor Court. Police did not provide what work Cassavant was doing or who he was working for. 

 

The area of West Street between Roberta Road and Tor Court was closed to traffic for about three hours while the investigation and roadway cleanup was underway.

 

Police posted the road closure to Facebook on Thursday morning, reporting a serious motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. Berkshire Community College students were urged to seek alternative routes.

 

The incident remains under investigation by Police Officer David Hallas of the Traffic Unit. Any witnesses or individuals who drove through the construction zone prior to 7:50 a.m. are asked to contact Hallas at 413-448-9700.

 

Conversations on pedestrian safety have been centered on the West Street corridor this year after Pittsfield resident Shaloon Milord was struck and killed while crossing in front of Dorothy Amos Park in January.