NORWICH – The afternoon commute along State Highway 12 was slowed as emergency personnel and City facilities workers tended to a two-car motor vehicle collision just south of the City of Norwich shortly before 3 p.m., Wednesday.

According to eyewitnesses at the scene, the incident occurred when a southbound silver Ford Focus turned into the path of and made contact with a northbound red Ford Taurus. The operator of the northbound vehicle then swerved off the east shoulder of the roadway to avoid the silver vehicle; coming to rest after making contact with a fire hydrant and utility pole.

According to Norwich Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo, both motorists were transported to UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained during the impact.

Chawgo said that while traffic was slowed for approximately 30 – 45 minutes following the incident, traffic police were able to keep both north and southbound lanes open to through traffic along the road.