Two Hurt As Crashes Close Route 17 In Tioga County

Two people were injured in a series of crashes on the Southern Tier Expressway between Apalachin and Owego.

Several vehicles were involved in the crashes after sleet and freezing rain made Route 17 slippery this morning.

The trouble developed around 9:15 in the westbound lanes of the highway.

Tioga County sheriff's deputies closed the roadway between Apalachin-Exit 66 and Owego-Exit 65 for about two hours.

Authorities say seven cars and two tractor-trailers were involved in the crashes.

The injured were taken to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City for treatment of minor injuries.

One lane of westbound traffic was permitted a short time later but motorists reported significant backups while emergency crews worked to remove wrecked vehicles.

Several other crashes were reported around the Twin Tiers this morning.

A freezing rain advisory issued by the National Weather Service Binghamton office expired at noon as temperatures continued to rise.