Virgil, NY – Tractor-Trailer Crash on I-81 Causes Injuries

Virgil, NY (December 24, 2025) – Injuries were reported following a serious tractor-trailer crash that shut down I-81 southbound in Cortland County on Tuesday morning, December 23. New York State Police at Homer responded to the scene around 6:48 a.m. near mile marker 42.6 in the Town of Virgil. Troopers determined that two tractor-trailers were involved after both vehicles jackknifed during snowy road conditions.

Investigators stated that one tractor-trailer, traveling southbound, lost control after moving too fast for the weather. A second tractor-trailer attempted to avoid the first but also jackknifed, leading to a collision between the two large vehicles. The driver of the first tractor-trailer, identified as 23-year-old Salimov Olimjon of Brooklyn, was not injured and was evaluated at the scene. The second driver, 50-year-old Flavio Pacheco of Fall River, Massachusetts, complained of back pain and was transported to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment.

Diesel fuel spilled during the crash, prompting a response from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which confirmed there was no threat to public safety. I-81 southbound between McGraw and Marathon remained closed for several hours while crews cleared the wreckage and state police completed their investigation.

We wish Mr. Pacheco a full and speedy recovery.

If you were injured in a commercial vehicle accident on Interstate 81, our personal injury lawyers can help you understand your legal rights. Contact our team to learn how we may assist with your claim.