According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert M.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert M. Maciol, on January 23rd, 2024 at approximately 7:53 AM, Patrol Deputies were dispatched to the area of 4732 Oswego Road in the Outer District of Rome for a report of a single car personal injury accident.

When deputies arrived they found that a 2008 Honda Pilot driven by Gary Niles 38, of Blossvale was traveling West on Oswego Road when he went off the South side of the road and struck a tree. The vehicle then burst into flames. Niles was able to get himself out of the vehicle and then get his other passengers out of the car. In the back seat of the vehicle were two juveniles, ages 2 and 5 years old. The front seat passenger was Jennifer Ryan, 32. All are from Blossvale.

A passerby stopped and had a fire extinguisher, but they were unable to completely extinguish the fire. Rome Fire responded and put out the fire.

Gary states that as he was traveling on Oswego Road a deer ran out in front of him. He states that he had his cruise control set and that when he hit the brake and swerved to avoid the deer he lost control on the icy road. He said that the car spun several times, went off the road struck a tree, and then burst into flames.

Gary was transported to Rome Hospital with cuts and complaint of leg pain. Jennifer was taken to Rome Hospital and then transported to Upstate with a possible back injury. The 2 yr. old was taken to Rome Hospital and appears to have a broken leg. The 5 yr. old was taken to Upstate with a compound leg fracture. None of the injuries appear to be life threatening.

Sheriff's Investigators responded to the scene and reconstructed the crash.

No summonses were issued and the investigation is ongoing.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by the State Police, Rome Fire Department, and AmCare Ambulance.