Wrong Way Crash Investigation Continues, MCC Student Injured
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: November 30, 2012
"The one trooper, he stated he never saw anything so violent or dramatic in his career," said Trooper Mark O'Donnell.
Two drivers were trapped in their cars.
It was around 2 am on 590 north near the 390 interchange on Friday morning.
Fire crews had to peel the metal back to get the men out of their cars.
Police tried to pull over a wrong-way driver who never stopped.
"At any time of day or night you don't expect someone to be driving at you on an expressway," said Trooper O'Donnell.
State Police say 38 year old Mario Carlenius, of Greece, was behind the wheel.
911 got calls he was driving the south along 590 North near Empire Boulevard.
Police caught up with him near the 490 interchange with lights and sirens blaring.
But they say he never pulled over after following for about 5 miles.
They say he then slammed into 20-year old Stanislov Dutchak's car near the 390 interchange.
State Police say Dutchak, of Hilton, couldn't get out of the way because there was a tractor trailer driving next to him when the crash happened.
News 8 spoke with Dutchak's father who was at a loss for words.
He said his son's condition was not good and that his son was on his way to work at a Wegmans store, where he worked cleaning.
He said his son was in his second year at Monroe Community College.
MCC's Vice President of Student Services Dr. Susan salvador released the following statement:
"Our concern remains for both men. We recognize this is a very difficult time, and we join their families with hope for their recovery."
Police said they are unable to talk with the drivers and still don't know why someone would go the wrong way.
"When you look at the people who are traveling the wrong way on the expressway there is usually a reason, medication, intoxication, or they are just lost ," said Trooper O'Donnell.
Police say they are reconstructing the accident scene and will have more information when they can talk with the drivers in the hospital.
As of 6pm Friday night, both men remained in guarded condition at Strong Hospital.
