Car accident on the Seneca Turnpike: Three injured

NEW HARTFORD, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — Three people were injured in a two-car crash on the Seneca Turnpike on Monday, June 24, according to New Hartford police.

At approximately 10:20 a.m., officers were called to the intersection of Seneca Turnpike and Middle Settlement Road in the Village of New Hartford. Further investigation revealed that a pickup truck – driven by 52-year-old Todd Manolescu of New Hartford – was traveling westbound on Seneca Turnpike.

According to police, Manolescu veered to the right, failed to maintain his lane and then struck a concrete curb on Middle Settlement Road, sending his truck flying.

The truck then collided with an SUV driven by 85-year-old Victor Piperata of Utica. Also in the SUV, police said, was 76-year-old Brenda Piperata, also of Utica.

Police and emergency responders found Manolescu unconscious while the New Harford Fire Department was called to remove the two people from the SUV. Brenda Piperata was taken to Wynn Hospital in Utica for her injuries. Victor Piperata was transported via Mercy Flight to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. Manolescu was treated by Edwards paramedics and taken to an undisclosed hospital.

New Hartford Police were assisted at the scene by Edwards Ambulance of Utica and the New Hartford and Willowvale fire departments.

New Hartford Police are asking anyone with information about the accident to contact New Hartford Police at 315-724-7111.

The investigation is ongoing and further details will be released as they become available.