BINGHAMTON – At least one person has died in a three-vehicle crash that closed a portion of the Route17/Interstate 81 in Binghamton, according to the office of Binghamton Mayor Rich David.
The crash happened on Route 17/Interstate 81 South near Exit 3 to Broad Avenue before 9 a.m. Wednesday.
According to officials with the Binghamton Fire Department there were three tractor trailers involved. One came to a stop causing the second to rear end it, then a third tractor trailer crashed into the second, authorities say.
The driver of the second tractor trailer was killed. No other fatalities have been reported.
“The number two truck with the fatality was totally destroyed,” Binghamton Assistant Fire Chief Mark Whalen said.
Whalen said everyone working together was a big help at the scene, including the driver of the first truck.
“After he was rear-ended he had the presence of mind to pull his truck up the road about 50 yards and on the shoulder and disconnect the trailer from the tractor,” Whalen said.
Binghamton Police are investigating and New York State transportation officials say the closure will be “long term” while the investigation continues.
The northbound lanes of Interstate 81 reopened around 10:40 a.m.
NYSDOT officials say the southbound lanes remain closed between Exit 2 and Exit 4, including the I-81/Route 17 split.
