GALLATIN, N.Y. - The New York State Police are investigating a serious one-car accident that occurred Saturday afternoon sending five teenagers to the hospital.
State police say the accident occurred on County Route 2 at the intersection of Beaver Road in the Town of Gallatin at approximately 4:57 p.m. on Saturday.
Troopers responded to the one-car roll over accident in which investigators discovered 17-year-old Austen Link, of Pine Planes NY, was operating a 1999 Toyota Camry, traveling eastbound on Route 2 at a high rate of speed, when he lost control of the vehicle during the approach of a curve.
Witnesses said the vehicle then left the roadway onto the north shoulder, struck a guide rail and came to rest against two trees at the intersection of Beaver Road.
All five occupants suffered injuries and remain hospitalized.
The driver of the car, Austen Link was admitted to St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie with a fractured back.
The front seat passenger of the car, 19-year-old Wei Li, of Hudson, suffered a head injury and was flown by Medivac to the Westchester Medical Center.
Rear passenger, 18-year-old Amber Lynn Mclain of Claverack, fractured her back and was transported by Medivac to Westchester Medical Center where she is listed in critical but stable condition.
Rear passenger, 16-year-old Kaitlyn Mclain of Claverack, fractured her back, suffered lacerations and was transported to St. Francis Hospital.
A 15-year-old rear passenger, of Claverack, whose name will not be disclosed, suffered a fractured femur and was transported to St. Francis Hospital.
Preliminary investigation indicates that neither drugs nor alcohol played a role in the accident, and that excessive speed appears to be the primary contributing factor.
Captain Scott Brown stated that it is believed none of the occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Various charges against the operator are pending at this time.
The investigation is ongoing.
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