Route 5 Accident, Hydroplaned into Opposing Lane & Hit Pole

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, on August 7, 2023, at around 7:15 pm, Deputies responded to the area of Route 5 in the Town of Westmorland for a reported one-car motor vehicle accident.

Upon arrival, deputies determined Christian J. Whisler (21), of Clinton, was driving a 2003 Ford sedan, Eastbound on Route 5 when he hydroplaned into the opposing lane and hit a utility pole. Whisler’s passenger Robert B. Belvin (22), also from Clinton, was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to be evaluated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Whisler received traffic tickets returnable to the Town of Westmoreland Court on a later date.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office was assisted on the scene by Westmoreland Fire Department.