Flack Broadcasting – One death confirmed after three-vehicle crash in western town

WESTERNVILLE- Emergency crews confirmed one fatality following Wednesday’s head-on collision in Oneida County involving three vehicles in the town of Western.

It occurred shortly after 11:15 a.m. on State Route 46 in Westernville, NY, near Dopp Hill Road.

According to the Sheriff’s Office’s investigation so far, two Ford F-250 pickup trucks nearly collided sideways. One was traveling southbound and driven by James R. Shaughnessy, 69, of Canastota, NY, and the other was traveling northbound and driven by Anthony J. Donatelli, 50, of Forestport, NY.

According to authorities, Shaughnessy smashed one of Donatelli’s mirrors when the two met.

As a result of this initial contact, Shaughnessy lost control of his vehicle and veered onto the northbound lane, where he collided head-on with a third vehicle.

In a tragic update, emergency responders confirmed with this report that the driver of the third vehicle involved in the head-on collision was pronounced dead at the scene.

Meanwhile, Shaughnessy was flown to SUNY Upstate Medical Center after being thrown from his truck. Authorities said his injuries were not life-threatening.

Donatelli was not injured in the accident and only suffered damage to his vehicle, investigators said.

At the time of this publication, the name of the accident victim is not yet known pending notification of next of kin.

The sheriff’s office is still investigating the accident to determine other factors that may have played a role.

Any witnesses to this accident who have not yet been interviewed by Oneida County Sheriff’s Office personnel are asked to contact Investigator N. Marcano at (315)765-2715.

Picture of the western fire department.