By Crash News Writer 
Barker, NY (September 3, 2026) – Multiple vehicles were involved in a crash Sunday afternoon on Interstate 81 North in the Town of Barker, leaving several people injured and causing significant traffic delays. The collision occurred around 12:25 p.m. on August 30 near mile marker 25.
According to the New York State Police, investigators determined that a northbound Cadillac traveling in the right lane attempted to change lanes and struck a northbound Kia traveling in the left lane. Following the initial impact, the Cadillac struck a guardrail, spun around, and came to rest facing the wrong direction. The Kia rolled over into the highway median.
Authorities identified the driver of the Cadillac as 23-year-old Joseph Daniel Carhuapoma Rivera of Fort Drum. He was issued a traffic citation and transported to UHS Wilson Medical Center along with a 46-year-old passenger from Astoria for evaluation. The driver of the Kia, identified as 22-year-old Yarema Mikhaylo Duplak of Ontario, Canada, was also taken to the same hospital for treatment.
While emergency crews worked at the crash scene, investigators observed several motorists attempting to drive the wrong direction on Interstate 81 to avoid the resulting traffic backup. Officials reminded drivers that traveling against the flow of traffic creates an extremely dangerous situation and urged motorists to remain patient and follow directions from emergency personnel. The crash remains under investigation.
Protect Your Rights After an Accident Today
A multi-vehicle collision can lead to injuries, property damage, insurance disputes, and unexpected financial challenges. Even when injuries initially appear minor, symptoms such as neck pain, back injuries, or concussions may develop hours or days after the crash. Understanding car accident laws in New York can help injured individuals understand their legal rights and available options following a collision.
Taking prompt legal action can help preserve valuable evidence, including crash scene photographs, witness statements, surveillance footage, and official investigative reports. Victims should also keep records of medical treatment, repair estimates, lost wages, and other expenses related to the crash. An experienced attorney can assist with insurance negotiations and determine whether compensation may be available for medical costs, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Many people search for a car accident near me after being involved in a serious collision. Those looking for information about a car accident near Barker should obtain all available documentation, including an official car accident report, to support any future insurance or legal claim.
If you are researching a car accident near me or seeking information about a car accident near Barker, maintaining organized records and following medical recommendations can be beneficial. An official car accident report may provide important details while the investigation continues.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information in this article is based on preliminary reports released by law enforcement and may be updated as additional facts become available. Readers seeking more information about accident claims can review frequently asked questions in New York.
The information released by authorities may be updated as the investigation continues.
Additional details, including any further findings or enforcement actions, may be released by investigators as they become available.
Individuals seeking assistance after a crash can review accident resources in New York. The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports available at the time of publication and may change as investigators continue their work. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know have been involved in a similar incident. Please review our disclaimer for additional information.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a multi-vehicle collision, contact an experienced New York personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and available options.