LAFAYETTE, NY — State Police responded to a report of a multi-vehicle crash on I-81 southbound, south of Exit 73 on Thursday at about 2:20 p.m.
The preliminary investigation has determined that the primary crash involved approximately 18 vehicles, including three tractor-trailers.
There were also a number of smaller crashes.
It is estimated that a total of approximately 30 vehicles were involved in the crash, which is believed to be weather-related.
Four patients have been transported to Upstate Medical Hospital, three to Crouse Hospital, and one to Upstate Community Hospital.
Two patients have serious, but not life-threatening injuries.
Those individuals who were not injured in the crash were transported from the scene to the LaFayette Fire Department by a CENTRO bus.
I-81 southbound at Exit 73 will remain closed while the crash is cleared, which is expected to take about two hours.
One northbound lane at Exit 67 in Tully is now open.
The NYSP Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit are on scene assisting with the investigation.
