Serious Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accident

On October 29, 2021, at about 6:52am, Seneca County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Route 96 just north of White Road in the Town of Varick for a serious personal injury motor vehicle accident. A vehicle being operated by Christopher M. Bilyk, age 36, of 210 Washington Street, Ithaca, New York, was headed southbound on Route 96 and crossed the center line. Bilyk’s vehicle then struck the front end of a northbound pickup truck being operated by Wayne A. Shafer, age 56, of 887 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca, New York. As a result of the accident, Bilyk suffered serious leg and chest injuries. Bilyk was trapped in the vehicle for a short time and was extricated by firefighters. Bilyk was then treated at the scene by South Seneca Ambulance and was flown from the scene to Strong Memorial Hospital by Lifenet Air Ambulance. Shafer, and a passenger in his vehicle, Robert E. Gates, age 59, suffered minor injuries and were transported to Geneva General Hospital. The Romulus Fire Department, Varick Fire Department, and North Seneca Ambulance also responded to the scene. Both vehicles suffered extensive damage and were towed from the scene. The accident remains under investigation.