New York State troopers investigate early morning one-vehicle crash that turned fatal in Chenango County

Chenango County, New York – A tragic accident in Chenango County has claimed the life of a teenage girl, following a single-vehicle crash on a quiet rural road Saturday morning.

New York State Police based in Sidney were alerted at around 8:24 a.m. on April 20, 2025, after the Chenango County 911 Center received a report of a vehicle off the road in the town of Bainbridge. The crash occurred along East Afton Road, a typically calm area not known for high traffic or accidents.

Responding troopers arrived at the scene to find a devastating scene. According to the investigation, the only occupant of the vehicle — a 17-year-old female — had been driving an SUV when, for reasons still under review, the vehicle left the roadway. The SUV veered into an embankment, then continued across a nearby creek, striking multiple trees before finally coming to a stop on the other side of the creek.

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Authorities did not immediately release the identity of the teen, pending notification of her family. The nature of the crash, along with the vehicle’s path and final position, paints a harrowing picture of what must have been a violent and sudden event.

State Police have not yet determined what caused the teen to lose control of the vehicle, but an investigation remains underway. It’s unclear if speed, distraction, weather conditions, or mechanical issues played any role in the incident.

This stretch of East Afton Road is not typically considered dangerous, but local residents say it can be deceiving. The combination of sharp turns and natural elements like creeks and tree lines may become hazardous, particularly for inexperienced drivers.

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On April 20, 2025, at approximately 8:24 a.m., New York State Police at Sidney were dispatched by the Chenango County 911 Center to a one-vehicle motor vehicle crash on East Afton Road in the town of Bainbridge.”

“An investigation at the scene determined that the 17-year-old female occupant was operating an SUV when she went off the roadway into an embankment, crossed a creek, striking several trees and coming to rest on the opposite side of the creek.”

The crash remains under investigation as officials work to piece together what led to the fatal turn of events.