Richland, NY (March 17, 2026) – A large crash involving about 40 vehicles was reported Tuesday afternoon, March 17, on Interstate 81 southbound in Oswego County.
The incident occurred between Exit 126 toward Pulaski and Exit 131, near Tinker Tavern. Several tractor-trailers were among the vehicles involved, leading to a major traffic disruption along the highway.
Emergency units responded to the scene as authorities worked to manage the situation. I-81 southbound near the Pulaski exit was closed to allow crews to assist those involved and clear the roadway.
Drivers in the area were warned to expect heavy delays following the crash. An update shared at 1:26 p.m. confirmed the ongoing closure and traffic impact.
At this time, officials have not released details regarding injuries or the number of people affected.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
What Can Lead to Large Multi-Vehicle Crashes on Highways?
Multi-vehicle crashes on highways often happen when traffic conditions change quickly, and drivers have little time to react. Sudden stops, reduced visibility, and high speeds can all contribute to chain-reaction collisions involving many vehicles.
Weather conditions such as snow, ice, or heavy rain can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. In these situations, even a small mistake by one driver can affect many others, especially on busy routes with steady traffic flow.
Large trucks can also increase the severity of these crashes due to their size and longer stopping distances. When several commercial vehicles are involved, it may take longer to clear the road and reopen lanes, which can lead to extended delays for other drivers.
