Two Dead, Five Injured in Norwich Crash

New York State Police now say the two vehicle crash on State Highway 8 in the Town of Norwich December 17 that closed the road between County Route 34 and Holmesville Road for hours was caused by a Utica man attempting to pass a tractor trailer.

Investigators say, at around 7:19 a.m., 43-year-old Yae Yar was driving north when he allegedly entered the southbound lane.  His Honda CRV hit a Subaru Outback driven by 27-year-old Joanna Sanimer of West Edmeston, New York, head-on. Yar was pronounced dead at the scene.  His front seat passenger, 36-year-old Me Me was taken to Tri Town Hospital in Sidney but died before arriving at the hospital. Stanimer was air lifted to Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center in Johnson City where she was last reported in critical condition with internal injuries. Four other passengers in Yar’s car, 5-year-old May Thazin Moe, 21-year-old Maung Mae of Vermont, 20-year-old Hasen Ko of Vermont and 34-year-old Neh Ya Sin were taken to area hospitals where they all were last listed in serious but stable condition. The investigation is continuing.