Route 5 in Elbridge will remain closed in both directions until at least 7 p.m. between Sandbank and Halfway roads, authorities said.
Elbridge, NY -- Two Elbridge residents in their 60s were killed after a tractor-trailer crashed into the back of their Kia -- which burst into flames -- this afternoon on Route 5 in Elbridge, according to authorities and witnesses.
The victims, a man and a woman, were pronounced dead at the scene of the 1:56 p.m. crash in front of Squire Gardens, according to Onondaga County Sheriff's deputies.
Route 5 in both directions will remain closed until at least 7 p.m. between Sandbank Road and Halfway Road, authorities said.
Here is what happened, according to Sheriff Kevin Walsh:
A tractor trailer, with the name Casa Imports, crashed into the back of the slower-moving Kia near the top of a hill, running the smaller vehicle over.
The Kia flipped three times upon impact and struck a pickup truck, causing the Kia to burst into flames. The pickup truck, with the name Lakeland Equipment, then flipped before landing on its wheels.
After the crash, a tarp covered the burned Kia. The driver of the tractor trailer was in custody at the state police barracks in Elbridge. The driver of the pickup truck was being treated at Auburn Memorial Hospital.
The tractor trailer ended up facing west in the eastbound lanes after the crash. The Kia remained in the westbound lane. The pickup truck came to rest in front of the Kia.
There are no skid marks or indications the tractor trailer slowed down before plowing into the Kia, Walsh said.
A witness said the truck struck the rear of the car as it slowed down. The car rolled over three times and burst into flames, the witness said.