Watertown, NY (WIBX) - Six people are dead after a chain-reaction crash in Jefferson County just after 9:00 this morning. Officials say it happened in a work zone for a repaving project.

According to state police in Watertown, a tractor trailer struck several vehicles from behind that were either slowing down, or had stopped in the construction zone.

They say five of the victims were traveling in one car and were killed on impact. The sixth victim was taken to the hospital but later died from her injuries. A DOT truck operator was also injured in the crash and is listed in critical condition. A section of Route 11 remains closed, from County Route 24 to the south and the Fox Ranch Road to the north while the New York State Police Accident Reconstruction Unit investigates the crash scene.

NYS Police Preliminary Investigation Details:

  • A 2012 Volvo Tractor Trailer, driven by 45 year-old, James A. Mills Jr., from 2451 Camp Swatara Road in Myerstown, PA was southbound on Rt.11 when he struck several vehicles from behind in the construction zone just south of Dickson Road.
  • A 2007 Subaru Forester, driven by 59 year-old, Maryann D. Gregory from 1487 State Route 11B in Dickinson Center, NY, was transported to EJ Noble Hospital in Gouverneur, NY for severe head and chest injuries, but later died from her injuries.
  • A 2012 Toyota RAV 4, driven by 42 year-old, Laurie M. Dana, from 11858 US HWY 11N in Lawrence, NY along with 4 passengers, Catelyn Dana, (age 14) , Lauren Dana (age 11), Janet Dana (age 69 ) and Shannon Planty (age 14) who were all killed in the crash.
  • A 2009 Ford F350 NYS Department of Transportation Truck, driven by 44 year-old, Lewis L. Lottie Jr. from Nicholville, NY, who was transported by LifeNet Helicopter to University Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse for head and chest trauma. He was listed in critical condition.

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