Family improves after buggy, car collision

Family improves after buggy, car collision

YATES COUNTY--Sheriff Ron Spike says seven family members' health conditions are improving after four medivac helicopters responded to a collision between a car and a Mennonite horse and buggy, Sunday, Aug. 9.
At 5:18 p.m. a call was made to Yates County 911 reporting the collision near 3530 East Sherman Hollow Road. Deputy Sheriffs and first responders from Branchport-Keuka Park Fire Department and the office of emergency management discovered multiple people near the scene with serious injuries.
Preliminary investigation shows Justin Niver, 24, of Penn Yan, was westbound on East Sherman Hollow Road (County Road 22) approximately four miles west of Penn Yan, and at the crest of a hill approached a slow moving vehicle (SMV) - (an open surrey type of horse-drawn buggy) traveling in the same direction operated by Matthew Sensenig, 33, also of Penn Yan. As Niver was passing the SMV, another vehicle was eastbound and he collided with the buggy. This caused it to leave the roadway and smash apart ejecting all seven members of the Sensenig family into the ditch and field.
In addition to Matthew, the family members were identified as Katrina Sensenig, 33, Eric Sensenig, 9, Lynelle Sensenig, 7, Jonathan Sensenig, 5, Glendon Sensenig, 3 and Harlan Sensenig, 7 months.
Four medivac helicopters responded to the scene. Guthrie transported one, Lifenet transported another and Mercy Flight made two separate transports.
According to the Sheriff's Office, Matthew and his wife had head injuries, the 9-year-old son had multiple internal injuries and the 7-month-old baby sustained internal injuries. Penn Yan Volunteer Ambulance transported three other young boys with various injuries with advanced life support (ALS) assistance. All injured went to Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency room and Trauma Center in Rochester.
The horse was also seriously injured and a veterinarian from Eastview Veterinary Clinic euthanized the animal at the scene.
Niver was not injured. Investigation continues and deputies impounded Niver's 2008 Malibu and the county Accident Investigation Reconstruction Unit was at the scene.
Sheriff Spike said on Monday, Aug. 10, all members of the Sensenig family have improved and the investigation is continuing. He also said members of the public wishing to contribute or donate to the family can do so by mailing to Mid-West Old Order Mennonite Church, C/O Deacon John Hoover, 1324 Route 54, Penn Yan, NY 14527.