According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, a Utica…

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, a Utica man was hospitalized after the driver of the vehicle which he was riding in fell asleep while driving during this morning's commute at or about 7:25 AM.

Derrick Bien-Aime 25, of Utica was driving a BMW 4-door westbound on Route 49 near Cavanaugh Road when he fell asleep and exited Route 49 to the north. Bien-Aime's vehicle struck an earth embankment and became airborne, propelling the vehicle over the on-ramp to Route 49 from Cavanaugh Road. Bien-Aime's vehicle then struck a culvert and several trees before the vehicle eventually came to rest and caught on fire.

Shai A. McBride 27, of Utica, was a passenger in the vehicle and sustained significant injuries to his hip and ribs. McBride was transported by Kunkel Ambulance to St. Elizabeth's Medical Center for treatment.

Bien-Aime, who was not injured, was cited for multiple vehicle and traffic violations and issued tickets which are returnable to Marcy Town Court on a later date. Westbound traffic on Route 49 was slowed to a single lane until the vehicle and debris from the crash could be removed by crews on scene.

Deputies were assisted by members of Maynard Fire, the New York State Police, Kunkel Ambulance and West End Auto.