UPDATE: The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office says the John Deere farm tractor was hauling a Kuhn-Knight manure spreader eastbound on North Bergen road, when a 2015 Dodge Pro Master van, also, traveling eastbound, approached the older model John Deere from behind, striking the rear end of the Kuhn-Knight manure spreader.
The impact caused the manure spreader to separate from the tractor.
The tractor, operated by Kip A. Keller, of Byron, continued east. The manure spreader and Dodge van came to rest in the middle of North Bergen road. As a result of the crash, the Dodge van suffered heavy front end damage and a passenger in the van, Paul W. Tuttle, of Bergen suffered serious injuries and was transported to Strong Hospital via Mercy Flight. He is listed in critical condition.
The driver of the van, Richard J. White, of Brockport, was transported to Strong Hospital via ambulance with minor injures. Keller also was transported to UMMC with minor injuries.
The cause of the crash is under full investigation.
The crash is being investigated by Chief Deputy Joseph Graff, Sgt. Andrew Hale, Investigator Hames Diehl of Crash Management, Deputy Travis Demuth and Deputy Michael Lute.
Assisting at the scene were members of the Byron Fire Department, South Byron Fire Department, Bergen Fire Department, Elba Fire Department, Mercy EMS, Mercy Flight and Byron Auto Repair.
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Three people were transported to area hospitals after a collision between a work van and a manure spreader on North Bergen road about 7:30p.m. Friday.
According to Byron Fire Chief Robert Mruczek, the van collided with the rear of a manure spreader that was being pulled by a tractor. The Chief says the manure spreader had a placard and lights.
The male passenger of the van had to be extricated. He was transported to Strong Hospital via Mercy Flight. The extent of his injuries are unknown.
The driver was also transported to Strong Hospital via ambulance.
The male operator of the tractor was sent to UMMC for observation.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit was on scene and is investigating the collision.