State Trooper Rescues Motorists from Submerged Vehicles

Several drivers were stranded when their cars were disabled by fast-rising water during a thunderstorm in Utica.

According to New York State Police, Trooper Joseph Lomonico was on patrol on Route 12 when he noticed traffic had come to a stop late Saturday afternoon.

The problem occurred near the Noyes Street intersection. Lomonico found nine vehicles were disabled after water reached the top of a concrete barrier. Three cars were completely submerged.

Authorities say Lomonico waded through the water to check on the occupants of the vehicles. He rescued two of the drivers.

The trooper and a state Department of Transportation worker then assisted some other people who were in disabled cars.

A section of Route 12 was shut down by DOT crews until the water receded. No injuries were reported.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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