According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, On July…

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, On July 22, 2024, at approximately 6:21 PM Deputies responded to Route 12 in the Town of Deerfield for a serious personal injury motor vehicle crash involving a 2007 Ford Focus and a Horse and Buggy. The Ford Focus was being operated by Chase J. Brewer, 20 of Mohawk, NY, while the Horse and Buggy was controlled by Rebecca Hershberger, 19 of Poland, NY. The buggy was also occupied by a 17 and 9-year-old passenger.

After an initial investigation, it was determined that the Ford Focus was traveling northbound in the middle lane of Route 12 when the operator moved to the right lane to pass an uninvolved vehicle. The Ford Focus failed to observe the buggy that had already been occupying the right lane and struck the rear of it.

As a result of the crash, all occupants of the buggy were transported to Wynn Hospital. Rebecca Hershberger was listed in critical but stable condition. Both the 17-year-old and 9-year-old occupants of the buggy were later transported to Upstate Medical Center and were listed in critical condition. Brewer was also transported to the Wynn Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The horse was deceased at the scene of the crash.

The motor vehicle crash is still under investigation by the criminal investigation unit. Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact investigators at 315-765-2767.

Deputies were assisted on scene by Kunkel ambulance, Maynard Fire Department, and Deerfield Fire Department. Route 12 northbound was closed following the crash but has since been reopened.