Citations issued to driver who allegedly did not pay attention in chain reaction accident just south of Boonville

ONEIDA COUNTY- A driver has been issued numerous traffic citations in the wake of a chain reaction accident that occurred Monday morning just south of Boonville, NY.

The incident, which occurred at around 7:20 a.m. on State Route 12 near the Abundant Life Church, involved three vehicles, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office said.

According to investigators, Whitney J. Bourgeois, 30, and Jill M. Paschke, 44, were both heading north and stopped briefly behind an Adirondack School Bus.

Meanwhile, another oncoming northbound vehicle, reportedly driven by Renee M. Marcellus 70, failed to stop and struck the vehicles from behind.

Marcellus’ vehicle then skidded sideways and rolled over into a ditch from impact. The school bus was not involved in the accident.

Superintendent of Schools Kristy McGrath confirms that the bus was indeed picking up a student when the crash occurred.

Marcellus had to be rescued from her vehicle and was ultimately transported to Wynn Hospital for chest pain and left leg pain, where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Paschke was also transported to Wynn Hospital for back pain and neck pain and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Meanwhile, Bourgeois was not injured during the accident.

After further investigation into accident, it was discovered that Marcellus was not paying attention to the roadway and did not see the two vehicles and school bus that were stopped ahead of her.

Marcellus was issued multiple traffic citations, which are returnable to Boonville Town Court on a later date.

The Sheriff's Office received assistance via Boonville Fire Department, Boonville Ambulance, and New York State Police.

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