Utica Driver Airlifted After Head-On Crash on Route 31 in Verona

According to Oneida County Sheriff, Robert M. Maciol; on November 11th, 2026, at approximately 5:28pm, Deputies responded to a reported personal-injury motor vehicle accident that occurred at the intersection of State Route 31and Irish Ridge Rd in the Town of Verona.

Upon arrival, it was discovered by Deputies that Jackie M. Centolella, 80, of Utica, was operating a 2001 Toyota Camry, westbound on State Route 31, when Jackie and Mark S. Bellows, 65, of Durhamville, who was operating a 2011 Ford Expedition in an Easterly direction, collided head-on at the intersection. Jackie was airlifted by Mercy Flight to SUNY Upstate Medical Hospital for further evaluation and Mark was uninjured as a result of the crash. The accident investigation is still pending at this time.

Deputies were assisted on scene by Vineall Ambulance, Sylvan Beach Fire Department, and the Durhamville Fire Department.