Hornellsville, NY (February 25, 2026) – Three people were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Route 36 and County Road 66 in Hornellsville. Emergency units responded shortly before noon on Sunday, February 22, after receiving reports of a serious two-vehicle collision.
According to reports, Blake Verpoten, 60, and Jen Verpoten, 55, were visiting their cabin when the crash occurred. Both suffered spinal fractures and broken pelvises and were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, where they were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Jen Verpoten was awake and alert as of Monday, February 24, while Blake Verpoten remained under sedation.
The second driver, identified as Michelle L. Garcia, 46, was also injured in the crash. She was hospitalized and reported to be in satisfactory condition as of Tuesday, February 25.
The couple, who live in Amherst, were traveling with their pets at the time of the accident. One dog died as a result of the crash, and another dog was reported missing following the incident.
The New York State Police are continuing to investigate the events leading to the collision. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
Why Serious Injuries Often Occur in Rural Intersection Crashes
Intersections on rural highways can present unique dangers due to higher travel speeds and limited traffic control. Drivers may approach crossings without stoplights, relying only on signs or visibility to judge when it is safe to proceed. This increases the risk of severe crashes if vehicles enter the intersection at the same time.
Higher speeds also increase the impact force during a collision. This can lead to major injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or internal damage. Emergency response times may also vary depending on the location and distance from nearby hospitals.
Other factors, including road design, visibility, and driver awareness, can influence crash outcomes. Even familiar roads can become dangerous when timing, speed, and positioning combine unexpectedly at intersections.
