The North Pembroke Road Cemetery, across from Phelps road, in Pembroke, suffered damage after a one vehicle property damage accident on Sunday evening.
According to State Police, a male in his mid 60’s was involved in a property damage accident about 10:46pm on September 12, 2021. No injuries were reported, but according to Jack Bernard, Superintendent of Cemeteries in the Town of Pembroke, the cemetery suffered damage to about 6 fence posts and 6 headstones. Town Clerk, Nicole Begin says the fence posts and headstones were struck by a Kia 4 door sedan. One 500lb headstone that was knocked over in the collision was thrown about 10 feet. Several older stones that were already repaired previously were also damaged in the accident.
Pembroke Town Supervisor Tom Schneider says the town is working with their insurance company and the driver’s insurance company to repair the fence posts and headstones.
“Our insurance agency is making a claim for reimbursement. We have to maintain the cemetery in accordance with NYS law. We have been keeping the stones in good shape and everything in working order at the cemetery,” says Schneider.
Schneider says the Town may pay up front for the repairs, and reimburse themselves when the claims process is complete. Schneider thinks the repairs will run between $5,000-$10,000.
“We just want to take care of it before the snow flies,” says Schneider.
According to the State Police blotter, the incident has been closed by investigation. No charges were listed in the blotter.
