Accident Shuts Down Part Of Arterial

Utica, NY (WIBX) - An accident involving two cars near Court Street this morning left an elderly woman with minor injuries.

Utica Police Sargeant Steve Hauck explained what happened.

"At one point, she sideswiped a car by Sunset Avenue, and continued," Hauck said. "In between Warren St. and Court St., [she] somehow lost control and struck some of the road signs and might have partially rolled over."

After the impact, the Toyota Corolla began to smoke.

Paul Vannort witnessed the accident.

"As I was walking out, I heard the impact of this car and saw a cloud of smoke and immediately called 911," Vannort said. "I didn't see the flames until shortly after the smoke cleared a little bit and I got a little bit closer, cause I was right here at the intersection, where the lights are."

Eric Henshaw also witnessed the accident, and was one of the first people on the scene.

"I approached the car, and at first she was not really talking, Henshaw said. "I think she was more shocked. Then, I went to her back window, telling her that if she opened the door I could help her get out before the car caught on fire. It was smoking real bad inside; it was very foggy. Then, me and another guy, we helped pull her out."                   

The woman was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, while police continue to investigate the accident.