TOWN OF AVA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — Oneida County Sheriffs were called to the scene of a motor vehicle accident that sent two people to the hospital on Saturday, August 12.

According to Sheriff Robert Maciol, Oneida County Sheriffs were called to the area of State Route 26 and East Ava Road in the town of Ava at approximately 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 12 for a two-car motor vehicle accident.

After further investigation, it was determined that the first vehicle — driven by 91-year-old Frank Mellace of Rome — was attempting to cross Route 26, but allegedly failed to yield the right of way. When Mellace entered the roadway, the second vehicle — driven by 62-year-old Rochelle Pfeiffer of Boonville — came up on Mellace’s vehicle, traveling north on Route 26. Pfeiffer’s vehicle then collided with Mellace’s vehicle, resulting in major damages.

Pfeiffer was transported to Rome Memorial Hospital, while Mellace was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Utica for treatment of their injuries. According to sheriffs, both drivers’ injuries are considered to be non-life threatening.

Mellace was also issued a traffic citation that will be returnable to Ava Town Court at a later date.