5 have minor injuries after 2-vehicle accident on 31 in Murray

Photos by Tom Rivers

MURRAY – Five people were taken by ambulance for minor injuries after a two-vehicle accident this morning on Route 31 between Holley and Hulberton roads.

The driver of this van was headed westbound when the van crossed into the eastbound lane and struck a pickup truck that swerved to avoid a head-on collision, a state trooper said.

Eric Smith, left, of Glenside Auto in Holley works with Holley firefighter Fran Gaylord to tow the van, which had four occupants who all had minor injuries and were taken by Monroe Ambulance for medical treatment.

The state trooper at the scene said it is unknown why the driver of the van crossed into the opposite lane. The trooper said the accident could have been far worse if it had been a head-on collision.

The trooper was working on a report of the accident and wasn’t ready to release names of those involved.

The driver of this truck swerved to avoid the van, but was hit in the back of the truck on the passenger side. The collision knocked the rear axle off the truck.

Rich Gallo, in safety vest, is fiance of the driver, Michelle Hampton of Murray. (Gallo shared her name with the Orleans Hub after texting Hampton.) Gallo said he is thankful the accident wasn’t worse. He is pictured trying to move the rear axle with Joe Morlino (center) of the Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company and Louie Lustumbo, owner of TLC Auto Recycling in Kuckville.

The accident at 9:32 a.m. closed Route 31 between Holley and Hulberton roads for about an hour.