Motorist crashes into active work zone on the Thruway in Oneida County causing injuries and damage during early morning travel near Marcy area

Marcy, New York – A morning commute turned dangerous on Wednesday after a tractor trailer entered an active construction zone on the New York State Thruway, leading to a crash that injured two people and caused significant disruption in the area.

The incident happened shortly after 6:00 a.m. on May 7, 2026, in the town of Marcy in Oneida County. According to the New York State Police, troopers from SP Schuyler were called to the scene following reports of a collision involving an active highway work zone.

Investigators said the crash involved a 2019 Volvo tractor trailer driven by Katherine W. Swain, 63, of Halifax, Massachusetts. Swain was traveling eastbound on the New York State Thruway when she failed to obey posted road signs directing traffic into a lane change. As a result, the vehicle entered an active work zone where construction crews were present.

Once inside the restricted area, the tractor trailer struck a concrete barrier. The impact did not stop the vehicle, which continued moving through the zone and eventually hit a parked 2020 Toyota pickup truck. That vehicle was stationed within the work area and was occupied by Andrew Pryslopski, 48, of Little Falls.

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Emergency services responded quickly to the scene. Swain was transported by ambulance to Wynn Hospital, where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Pryslopski was also taken to the same hospital by a third party for medical evaluation and treatment. Authorities confirmed that his injuries were also non-life-threatening.

Police said that speed appears to have been a contributing factor in the crash, though the investigation remains ongoing. Following the incident, Swain was issued citations for violations of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. She is scheduled to appear in Marcy Town Court at a later date.

The crash serves as another reminder of the risks associated with construction zones, particularly during the busy spring and summer roadwork season. Authorities stressed that work zones often involve reduced lane space, workers on foot, and heavy equipment operating close to traffic lanes, all of which require heightened driver attention.

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Officials are urging motorists to take extra caution while traveling through construction areas. They continue to emphasize the importance of slowing down, following posted speed limits, and staying alert to changing traffic patterns.

As construction activity increases across the region, law enforcement says driver awareness is critical to preventing similar incidents. The investigation into the Thruway crash remains ongoing as authorities review the full circumstances surrounding the collision.