Ferrisburgh, VT (August 18, 2025) – A four-vehicle chain-reaction collision at the intersection of U.S. Route 7 and Old Hollow Rd left one person injured and two vehicles totaled on Saturday afternoon. Vermont State Police responded to the crash at approximately 12:21 PM on August 16, 2025.
According to investigators, the crash began when James McKiernan, 50, of Moriah Center, NY, driving a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD, struck the rear of a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse operated by Elizabeth Davis, 36, of Johnson, VT. The impact caused a domino effect: Davis’s SUV was pushed into a 2021 Jeep Wrangler driven by James Turner, 47, of Madison, NJ, which then collided with the back of a 2025 Toyota Tundra towing a trailer and driven by Michael Kane, 44, of Ticonderoga, NY.
Davis sustained moderate injuries in the crash and was transported by ambulance to the University of Vermont Medical Center for further treatment. The three other drivers were evaluated and found to be uninjured.
The force of the initial impact totaled both Davis’s Traverse and Turner’s Wrangler. McKiernan’s Silverado suffered significant front-end damage, while Kane’s Tundra and its attached trailer sustained damage to its cargo. All parties involved were reportedly wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Road and weather conditions were favorable, with dry pavement and clear skies.
McKiernan was cited for following too closely. The incident remains under investigation.
We wish Ms. Davis a full and swift recovery following this incident.
Rear-End Collisions and Chain-Reaction Crashes in Vermont
Multi-vehicle collisions like the one that occurred Saturday on U.S. Route 7 are among the most common and dangerous forms of traffic accidents—particularly when they occur in clear conditions, where full responsibility often falls on driver inattention or misjudgment. In this case, police cited the initial driver for following too closely, a traffic violation that routinely leads to rear-end impacts and multi-car pileups.
Chain-reaction crashes are dangerous because they amplify the force of each subsequent collision, often affecting multiple drivers and increasing the likelihood of injuries, vehicle damage, and traffic disruption. In this incident, two vehicles were totaled, and one victim had to be hospitalized.
Route 7 is a heavily traveled corridor through Ferrisburgh and surrounding towns, often used by commuters, long-haul drivers, and vacationers. Its long stretches of open road can give drivers a false sense of safety, leading to reduced reaction times when traffic slows or stops suddenly.
These types of crashes serve as a strong reminder of the importance of maintaining proper following distance and staying alert—especially in rural or semi-rural areas where high-speed travel can quickly result in serious consequences.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a chain-reaction crash, Local Accident Reports is here to support your next steps. We connect injured individuals with knowledgeable local professionals who understand how to handle recovery, insurance, and legal complexities. Contact us today to take the first step toward getting the help you need.
