Motor Vehicle Collision causes closure of I-81 North

On Tuesday, February 7th, 2023, at around 8:53 A.M., Officers responded to the Calthrop Avenue on-ramp to I-81 North for a motor vehicle collision with injuries complaint. 

 

The investigation revealed that a 49-year-old male victim, from Syracuse, was operating his white 2009 Ford Van northbound on I-81. While driving, his vehicle became disabled in the right lane just north of the top of the Calthrop Avenue on-ramp. The victim exited his vehicle and went to the front of his van. Moments later, his van was struck from behind by a tan 2014 Jeep operated by another driver. The victim was struck by his van and pushed into the left lane along with his vehicle. The victim suffered severe head trauma and was transported to Upstate Hospital in critical condition. The victim remains in critical condition at this time. The other driver was transported to Crouse Hospital with neck pain. The other driver is cooperative, and impairment does not appear to be a factor at this time. Northbound I-81 was shut down with the help of the New York State Department of Transportation from approximately 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. The Syracuse Police Department's Traffic Section is investigating. No tickets have been issued at this time.