A late-night crash involving a deer strike turned deadly early Saturday when a second vehicle slammed into a stopped SUV on Route 17 near Tioga Downs.
The initial crash happened just after midnight in the town of Nichols. According to New York State Police, a BMW X5 hit a deer while heading westbound and pulled onto the shoulder — but the vehicle remained partially in the right lane.
Four people exited the BMW after the collision. Moments later, a Suzuki sedan, also heading west, struck the rear of the BMW, pushing it forward into two of the people who had been standing outside.
One of those individuals died at the scene despite emergency crews’ efforts to save them. Another was taken to Robert Packer Hospital in Pennsylvania with non-life-threatening injuries. Two others from the BMW were not hurt.
The Suzuki, which caught fire after the crash, was being driven by a lone occupant who managed to escape before first responders arrived. That driver was also taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
State Route 17 westbound was closed for several hours during the investigation. State Police say names are being withheld until all families are notified. The crash remains under investigation.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].