LaFayette, N.Y. – A massive crash involving 37 vehicles, including three tractor-trailers, brought Interstate 81 in LaFayette to a standstill Thursday afternoon amid heavy snow and poor visibility.

The accident began around 2:20 p.m. south of Exit 73, initially involving 18 vehicles, with several smaller collisions occurring nearby, according to Trooper Jennifer Jiron of the State Police.

Seven people were transported to hospitals—four to Crouse Hospital and three to Upstate University Hospital. Two suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Others were evacuated from the scene to the LaFayette Fire Department by Centro buses.

By 5 p.m., around 40 people were sheltering at the fire department, though most had been picked up by family or friends within an hour. LaFayette Town Supervisor Bill McConnell activated the town’s Emergency Action Plan, urging residents to stay home and off the roads for six to eight hours.

The town coordinated with local organizations to provide lodging and meals for stranded travelers and residents. Highway crews cleared the wreckage, and I-81 South at Exit 73 reopened after several hours. One northbound lane at Exit 67 in Tully reopened shortly after 5 p.m.

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