Westmoreland, NY (March 8, 2026) – A tractor-trailer driver from Wayne County was killed early on Thursday morning, March 5, in a crash on the New York State Thruway in Oneida County.
According to the New York State Police, officers responded around 1:25 a.m. to a two-vehicle collision on Interstate 90 in Westmoreland, Oneida County, NY.
Authorities said Robert Wells, 76, of Palmyra, was operating a tractor-trailer that rear-ended an empty car carrier being hauled by another westbound tractor-trailer. Both vehicles were pushed onto the right shoulder following the impact.
Wells was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other tractor-trailer suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Wynn Hospital for evaluation.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased driver, Robert Wells.
Safety Concerns with Tractor-Trailer Collisions
Collisions involving large trucks can result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the size and weight of the vehicles. Rear-end crashes are often caused by following too closely, limited visibility, or driver fatigue.
Highways with heavy truck traffic, like the New York State Thruway, require careful attention, particularly during overnight hours when drivers may be less alert. Emergency responders must often clear debris and investigate the scene before traffic can resume safely.
