Three seriously injured in car v. Amish buggy wreck just north of Utica

DEERFIELD- Serious injuries have been reported in the wake of another car v. Amish buggy accident here locally.

This one occurred Monday evening along State Route 12 in the town of Deerfield, Oneida County. 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatch says it happened shortly before 6:30 p.m.

Investigation via the Sheriff’s Office suggests that Chase J. Brewer, 20, of Mohawk, NY was heading north in a 2007 Ford Focus.

Police say that Brewer was traveling in the middle lane and moved over to the right lane to pass another vehicle. When this maneuver played out, it’s reported by police that Brewer failed to see an Amish buggy, which was also traveling northbound.

As a result, the Amish buggy was struck from behind. Occupants of the buggy have been identified as Rebecca Hershberger, 19, of Poland, NY.

She had two other passengers riding along when the crash occurred, including a 17 and a 9-year-old.

All buggy occupants were initially taken to Wynn Hospital, where Hershberger was last listed in critical, but stable condition as of press time. Both the 17 and 9-year-old victims were later rushed to SUNY Upstate Medical Center and were listed in critical condition as of press time.

Brewer was examined at Wynn Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Meanwhile, the horse pulling the buggy was pronounced deceased as a result of the crash.

The motor vehicle crash is still under investigation by the criminal investigation unit. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact investigators at 315-765-2767.

Deputies were assisted on scene by Kunkel ambulance, Maynard Fire Department, and Deerfield Fire Department.

Route 12 northbound was closed following the crash, but has since been reopened.

OCSO image.