Boonville bear accident sends two men to hospital

A collision between a car and a black bear on Sunday, May 12 has sent two people to the hospital, according to Oneida County Sheriffs.

BOONVILLE, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) -- A collision between a car and a black bear on Sunday, May 12 has sent two people to the hospital, according to Oneida County Sheriffs.

Sheriffs were called to State Route 12 in the town of Boonville just before 10 pm on Sunday. Further investigation found that the driver of the car, George Franco, 24, of Albany, was driving his vehicle northbound on State Route 12.

Police say the black bear entered the roadway unexpectedly, and Franco was unable to avoid it. He then hit the bear, causing heavy damage to the front of his vehicle.

According to Oneida County Sheriffs, Franco and his passenger Bernardo Rosario-Gonzalez, 35, were evaluated for chest and neck pain from the airbag deployment and seatbelts.

Both Franco and Gonzalez were evaluated at the scene and transported to Lewis County General Hospital for additional evaluation. According to sheriffs, no citations have been issued.

The Oneida County Sheriffs were assisted on the scene by the New York State Police, Boonville Fire and Ambulance Companies, and Grower's Collision and Towing of Boonville.