Three killed in crash were headed to work at BOCES construction site

By: Amaris Elliott-Engel / The Citizen

Monday, January 15, 2007 3:43 PM EST

SENNETT -- A fatal accident during Monday's icy, mist-covered conditions killed three heating and cooling contractors traveling to work at the new Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES campus in Aurelius.
Authorities said it appeared conditions on the road contributed to the crash.

Stephen L. Hujar, 31, of Johnson City; Kenric G. Mondak, 26, of Warren Center, Pa.; and Ryan A. Smith, 25, of Binghamton, were all killed when their westbound vehicle went out of control and collided with an eastbound semi-dumptruck on Route 20 in Sennett. The impact crushed the blue Ford Focus. The vehicle was pulverized into a mass of metal.

Earlier in the day, authorities were only able to confirm two of the deaths because they had not been able to get to the third victim.

The semi-dumptruck was second to last in a convoy of six trucks carrying sand from Universal Well Services of Pennsylvania.

Investigators said around 8:45 a.m. that it would be another couple of hours before they would begin to take the vehicles apart to remove the bodies and to reconstruct how the accident was caused.

The accident was just east of the Lake House Classic Decor and Gifts store at the bottom of a crest in the road.

Eastbound traffic on Route 20 was diverted along Swamp Road.

For more on this story, read Tuesday's edition of The Citizen.

The Citizens' Say

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There are 18 comment(s)

Victim Sister wrote on Jan 30, 2007 8:40 AM:

" The article written was not even accurate. The description of events was extremely incensitive. To mention that the bodies would be left for hours was not important news that needed to be shared. People need to think about who would be reading the articl. Also, some of the comments listed are by some very uninformed people. Do not comment on things you do not know about. For the people who are praying for our families, I thank you. "

Arleen, Puerto Rico wrote on Jan 17, 2007 8:05 AM:

" There is not much I can say in a moment like this. I would like, in the middle of this dark cloud, celebrate Kenric's life... KG thanks for your smile, your kindness, your great sense of humor... you will always be rememered that way in my heart. See you later. "

Athiest wrote on Jan 16, 2007 7:24 PM:

" Prayer is not what a "normal" person does. It is what a religious person does. And if it helps them, they should do it. What ever gets you through. But, some people see working for prevention as the way to cope with the emotions that something like this creates. Prevent such an event from happening again. Is it the truck driver's fault? Probably not. Is it the convoy's fault? Who knows? A truck convoy is not Mother Nature. A convoy of 9 large dumptrucks does not belong on a narrow highway in an icestorm. "

Andrew wrote on Jan 16, 2007 6:00 PM:

" Steve, To a man who touched the hearts of all of us with your caring and humorous being...Thanks for being that person that touched the lives of our group of close knit friends. You are going to be truly missed. Supa "

Tin Knocker at J and K wrote on Jan 16, 2007 5:53 PM:

" I will miss my brothers from J and K. John in Albany, NY. "

Heartfelt Sympathy wrote on Jan 16, 2007 5:53 PM:

" My deepest condolences goes out to the families of those lost in that terrible accident. No one was at fault except Mother Nature. I would like to suggest that when BOCES is completed, a memorial plaque be erected in memory of those men or maybe even a scholarship in their names could be awarded. It would be a great tribute to those men. "

to anti prayer wrote on Jan 16, 2007 5:44 PM:

" Is there something wrong with you?If you chose not to pray for these families that is your own perogative.But that is what normal people do after a tragedy like this.And I know they appreciate it.Thanks for all your wonderful compassion for these three men,I hope you feel really good! "

TO So Sad, wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:47 AM:

" Prayer is not the answer for everybody. Some people don't pray and don't believe it has any power. Some people don't believe in god. Some people believe that a convoy of huge heavy trucks driving along a dangerous stretch of rural highway on an icy, misty, snowy day is asking for trouble. Pray all you want, but if you want to prevent this from happening again, the trucks have to be dealt with. "

are you kidding me? wrote on Jan 16, 2007 9:42 AM:

" A convoy simply means they were on their way to a job site...and life goes on in CNY no matter what the weather...people go to work, businesses conduct business. This in NO WAY was the fault of anyone other than Mother Nature. To suggest anything else is extremely insensitive. "

Wendy wrote on Jan 16, 2007 8:46 AM:

" CURIOUS, You really need to get an understanding of the situation. J&K was obviously the low bidder on the BOCES project, WHICH actually saved money for your community. J&K is a NYS company not an out-of-state company. What you really need to concentrate on is the fact that three human lives were lost here in a situation that was totally beyond their control. Maybe you should look at your local government and make sure they shut down the roads or keep them ice free when the weather is bad. You say that your local people would have known the roads better, well why were they ice covered!!!! You need to think about the families, friends, and co-workers of these three wonderful people before you say anything. "

sue wrote on Jan 16, 2007 7:52 AM:

" I couldn't believe the graphic description that was used to describe the condition of the vehicles involved. How insensitive.... especially if the families involved read it. My prayers are with these three families "

Curious wrote on Jan 16, 2007 5:09 AM:

" Suffice it to say our hearts go out to these men. Yet I can't help but wonder why are men from so far out of the area doing working on the BOCES project. Is it because they couldn't get anyone qualified from the Auburn/Syracuse area? Local people would be more aware of the dangers driving on Rt 20. Local government says they are doing what they can to help local people find jobs. How many other people are working on construction projects, and taking their money back to their town and spending it? Locals who own or rent homes and apartments, that provide taxes to local government should be working on a project such as BOCES. My guess is that there is alot of government funding going into that project. In most other towns and cities, government funding means having to hire local people to boost the local economy. Sad to say if the BOCES project was not allowed to hire people from so far away, these men may be alive today. "

so sad wrote on Jan 15, 2007 11:29 PM:

" My prayers go out to the families of these three men.This was a horrible accident that will leave everyone involved forever changed.The man driving the truck should not have any blame placed upon him,he was trying to make a living just as the three young men were obviously going to do.This is not a time for blame this is a time to pray for all that were involved! "

truly sad wrote on Jan 15, 2007 10:46 PM:

" Our heartfelt sympathy to the families of these young men. Our prayers are with you. "

A convoy of dump trucks? wrote on Jan 15, 2007 10:35 PM:

" In that weather? Raising walls of water and blinding the oncoming traffic? Were the truck drivers nuts? Why do THEY need a convoy? WHY couldn't they think of the little people in the little cars?? Trucks should not travel in convoys. Convoys should not be allowed. "

My prayers wrote on Jan 15, 2007 8:40 PM:

" to the families of these young men. "

Jbur wrote on Jan 15, 2007 7:13 PM:

" My condolences to the family and freinds of the victims. You are in our prayers. "

mom wrote on Jan 15, 2007 6:56 PM:

" God bless their families...RIP "

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