HASTINGS, N.Y. (WSYR-TV/AP) - The northbound lanes of Interstate 81 north of Syracuse have reopened after being shut down for more than eight hours due to a five-vehicle accident that claimed the life of a central New York teenager.
State Police say 19-year-old Liberty Tanner of Pulaski was driving north on 81 -- between exits 31 and 32 -- when her car broke down in the center lane around 10:15 p.m. Wednesday in the Oswego County town of Hasting.
According to State Police, Tanner was on the phone with Onondaga County 911 reporting the breakdown when the accident occurred.
A State Police report indicates that her car was rear-ended by another vehicle driven by 17-year-old Alex Mills, of Altmar. Then, as 17-year-old Michael Edinger slowed down while approaching the scene, his vehicle was rear-ended by a car driven by 20-year-old Emily Smith of Pulaski. Finally, 28-year-old Stefanie Wooding of Fulton approached the scene and collided with Smith's car.
Three people were taken to Upstate University Hospital where they were treated and released.
I-81's northbound lanes were closed until 6:45 a.m. Thursday. Traffic was diverted to Route 11 while the lanes were shut down.
Police are still investigating the accident.
