Impact of collision leaves police uncertain as to who was driving SUV
View full sizeNew York state police investigate a fatal two car collision on Route 31 at Lucas Road, east of Bridgeport, on Monday. Sullivan, NY -- A Clay girl was killed in a crash on Route 31 in Madison County Monday afternoon.
Victoria C. Deverso, 17, of 7424 Muench Road in Clay, was killed in the crash. State police said the collision was so violent that they were unable to identify who was driving one of the vehicles involved.
Chelsea L. Kuss, 18, of 127 Hampden Drive, Syracuse, was in the same vehicle as Deverso. Kuss was taken to Upstate University Hospital with a collapsed lung and other injuries, police said.
Peggy S. Blume, the driver of the other vehicle, a 2007 Dodge Caravan, suffered multiple fractures to her arms and legs, as well as other injuries, said Troop Jack Keller. Blume, 38, of 7876 Macarthur Boulevard, was also taken to Upstate.
Both survivors are listed in critical condition.
Police are trying to reconstruct the crash, which closed Route 31 for several hours but believed a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer was westbound on Rt. 31 and had passed several vehicles. Shortly before 3 p.m. the Trailblazer, with Deverso and Kuss inside, attempted to re-enter the westbound lane near Lucas Road. But the driver lost control, crossed into the eastbound lane and struck Blume’s Caravan head on, police said.
Firefighters from Bridgeport, Chittenango and South Bay were on the scene. Police said the Madison County sheriff’s office also assisted.