According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, members…

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, members of the Sheriff's Office are investigating a two-car motor vehicle accident.

On February 27, 2026, at around 6:13PM, the Oneida County Emergency Service's 911 Center received a call for a two-car personal injury motor vehicle accident on State Route 20 in the Town of Bridgewater. Road Patrol Deputies along with members of the Criminal Investigation Unit and Forensic Unit responded to the scene. An initial investigation determined that Joseph Mustachi, age 50, of Bridgewater, was operating a 2015 Dodge Journey, in a westerly direction on State Route 20. At the same time Edward Thomas, age 76, of New Hartford, was operating a 2017 Kia sedan, in an easterly direction on State Route 20. Both vehicles collided head-on, on the eastbound side of State Route 20.

Mustachi was not injured in the crash. Thomas was taken from the scene via Ambulance, then transferred to a LifeNet helicopter and flown to SUNY Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where is currently listed in stable condition.

At this time the factors surrounding the collision are still under investigation and further details may be released at a later time. State Route 20 was closed for a period of time but has since reopened.

The Sheriff's Office was assisted on scene by Bridgewater Fire, Bridgewater Ambulance, LifeNet, NYS DOT, and NYS Police.