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Two hospitalized after trooper crash on Thruway

SHERIDAN — Two people inside a minivan that was struck by a New York state trooper responding to a separate crash on Interstate 90 were listed in serious and critical conditions.

State police on Tuesday released the names of those involved in the collision that took place at about 1:08 p.m. in the westbound lanes of the thruway between the Dunkirk and Silver Creek exits.

An investigation found that Trooper Stephen C. Barker, 33, of the Buffalo police barracks, was responding to a property damage crash when he struck the rear of a Dodge van being driven by Harry E. Gibbons, 75, of Irving.

Investigators say Barker “failed to observe (Gibbons) slowing for traffic ahead and struck the rear of the Dodge,” the state police said.

Gibbons and passenger Terrance W. Marsha, 70, of Orchard Park were transported to Brooks Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. David A. Jordan, 72, of East Aurora, was transported to Mercy Hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Two additional passengers of the van were airlifted from the scene to Erie County Medical Center. George E. Cole, 66, of Arcade, is currently listed in serious condition while Timothy W. McCann, 70, of Depew is in critical condition.

Barker was taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The westbound lanes were closed for several hours due to the crash. Police did not state whether any charges are pending.

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