Multi-Vehicle Crash on I81 Connector Sends Two to Hospital

Around 8 in the morning on Tuesday, September 3rd, Cortlandville Fire, TLC Ambulance, and New York State Police were dispatched to the I81 Connector between Route 281 and Route 11 in the Town of Cortlandville for a multi-vehicle crash with reported injuries.

The crash occurred on the westbound lane headed towards Route 281. Cortlandville Fire after arrival, shut down westbound traffic on the connector with the department diverting motorists exiting I81 to Route 11.

State Police told X101 News, the chain reaction began when a Chevy Equinox driven by a 42 year old man from Tully rear ended a Kia Sportage that was being driven by a 54 year old woman, also from Tully. Troopers continued to say the Sportage then rear-ended a trailer that was attached to a Chevy Silverado with two occupants inside.

After that collision, a Dodge Ram being driven by 51 year old Karl J. Rogers of Norwich, hit the Chevy Equinox. All vehicles were traveling westbound to Route 281.

Two people were transported to area hospitals. The driver of the Equinox was transported to Upstate University Hospital and the driver of the Kia Sportage was taken to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. The two occupants in the Silverado were uninjured and were able to continue on their way.

The I81 Connector was reopened just before 9am Tuesday.