Deputy Witnesses Fiery Wrong-Way Collision on Rt. 49, One Dead

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FLOYD, NY – November 22, 2024 – A fatal motor vehicle accident that occurred in the eastbound lane of Route 49 in the Town of Floyd late Friday night is under investigation.

According to the OCSO, the incident occurred on Friday at approximately 10:30 p.m. A deputy driving an identified patrol vehicle eastbound on Route 49 in the Town of Whitestown observed a vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lane. The deputy witnessed the wrong-way vehicle almost collide with another car and narrowly avoid his patrol vehicle as it passed.

The deputy activated his emergency lights and turned around in an attempt to stop the vehicle. However, the vehicle, a gray 2022 Ford Explorer, failed to stop and continued for a short distance before colliding with a 2025 Volvo truck and trailer operated by 64-year-old Franklyn Hummel of West Virginia. The collision caused both vehicles to catch fire.

Despite the deputy’s efforts to rescue the driver of the Ford Explorer, the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames, preventing the rescue. The deputy was able to ensure that Hummel escaped the fire uninjured. Hummel was evaluated at the scene by AmCare Ambulance and released without injuries.

The driver of the Ford Explorer, whose identity has not yet been determined, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office is working to confirm the individual's identity.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen a gray 2022 Ford Explorer in the area to contact the sheriff's criminal investigations unit at (315) 765-2725.

The sheriff's office was assisted by the Floyd Fire Department, Holland Patent Fire Department, Maynard Fire Department, Stittville Fire Department, and Oriskany Fire Department, the New York State Police, NYSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, and the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office.

The investigation is ongoing.