Newtown Police have identified the man who died in a fatal crash that occurred on Berkshire Road mid-morning Saturday, January 20.

John Schmalbach, 75, of Brookfield, died as a result of injuries sustained after the truck he was operating crossed into oncoming traffic. Schmalbach’s 1983 Ford F100 was traveling east on Berkshire Road (Route 34) when it crossed into the westbound lane, crashing head-on into a 2023 Toyota RAV4 being operated by an elderly male.

The crash occurred around 10:30 am near the intersection of Nighthawk Lane, in front of the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue substation.

Two crews from Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps, at least one paramedic, and Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue all responded to the crash in addition to the local police officers.

The crash closed Berkshire for hours while police investigated. Traffic was detoured over Chestnut Hill Road, which runs parallel to Berkshire Road and circumvented the crash scene.

Schmalbach was transported to Danbury Hospital for suspected serious injuries, according to the police report. He did not survive, however.

Edward Belanger, 79, of Seymour was operating the Toyota, with Nancy Ann Belanger, 77, also of Seymour, his passenger. The Belangers were transported to the hospital with suspected minor injuries and were in stable condition, also according to the report.

Firefighters cleared from Berkshire Road around 11:30 Saturday morning.

The crash closed the state road for hours while police investigated. Traffic was detoured over Chestnut Hill Road, which runs parallel to Berkshire Road and circumvented the crash scene.

It remains unclear what caused Schmalbach or his vehicle to cross into the oncoming last. The crash remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Newtown PD Officer Felicia Figol at 203-426-5841.