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Crash closes Route 60 and impacts water

Photos by Dan Kohler A tractor-trailer involved in the Route 60 accident is pictured.

Route 60 was closed near Sinclairville and the village’s water system was affected by an accident involving a tractor trailer and automobile.

Chautauqua County sheriff’s deputies were called to the area of Route 60 near Bloomer Street in the town of Gerry around 10:15 a.m. Saturday. It was determined that a Honda CRV operated by Aurora Wilson, 22, of Sinclairville, was traveling southbound on Route 60 when she attempted to turn left onto Bloomer Street in the village of Sinclairville.

Deputies found that Wilson failed to yield to oncoming traffic and turned in front of a tractor trailer operated by Michael Phillips, 49, of Marion.

The vehicles collided which led to extensive damage to both vehicles. The tractor trailer being operated by Phillips was hauling gasoline and due to the damage sustained in the accident, a quantity of gasoline leaked from the trailer.

Chautauqua County HAZMAT, Chautauqua County Fire Police, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Chautauqua County EMS assisted at the scene. Wilson was transported to UPMC Chautauqua for minor injuries and was later issued traffic citations.

Phillips was uninjured during the collision.

Route 60 was closed from the area of Kimballstand north to Sylvester Road in Sinclairville while authorities worked to remove the vehicles involved. The Gerry Fire Department and Sinclairville Fire Department also assisted.

Later Saturday, the village of Sinclairville asked all residents who use the water system to conserve water.

“Due to the accident on 60 involving a tanker hauling gasoline we are shutting down our main water pumps that supply the village until we can verify they have not been contaminated,” the village announced. “We do have two other wells to supply the village with water but they cannot keep up with peak demand. So please help us conserve water by limiting showers. Only run washers and dishwashers when full. Don’t do any unnecessary washing. Thank you for your help and cooperation.”

The conservation order was in effect as of Sunday afternoon.

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