Two Separate Crashes Briefly Shutdown I81 North in LaFayette – Three Sent to Upstate Hospital

It was just after 1 in the afternoon on Monday, July 15th, when the New York State Police were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash with injuries on I81 North in LaFayette. State Police say an investigation determined the operator of the single-vehicle crash, 72 year old Thedorus A. Stolwijk of Binghamton, was driving a 2024 Chrysler and was in the driving lane on I81 North.

Troopers say Stolwijk exited the highway towards the east shoulder where he then struck a guardrail. He was transported to Upstate University Hospital for minor injuries.

Traffic on I81 Northbound was slowed down as a result of the single-vehicle crash. At 1:38pm, Troopers were again dispatched to the area of I81 North in LaFayette, but this time for a 3-vehicle crash with injuries.

State Police tell X101 News a preliminary investigation into the second crash determined the driver of a white 2021 Chevy driven by 55 year old Marc P. Goulet of Phoenix, NY, was traveling northbound and struck the rear of a 2015 Volvo being driven by 70 year old Nagi A. Awass of Williamsville, NY.

Immediately after the collision, a third vehicle, driven by 25 year old Quinn G. Haldenman of Perkasie PA, was unable to stop and crashed into the Chevy. Both Goulet and Haldeman were taken to Upstate University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

State Police say Stolwijk was issued a ticket for Failure to Keep Right, and Goulet and Haldeman were issued a citation for Following Too Close.

I81 was briefly shut down as a result of the multiple accidents as the scene was being cleared.