I-81 Work Zone Crash Update Identifies Drivers, Truck Company
State Police identified the motorists involved, cited the tractor-trailer driver and corrected the breed of one of two therapy dogs that fled the crash.
BARKER, N.Y. — New York State Police have released significant new information about the I-81 work zone crash that injured four people Wednesday in Broome County. The update identifies all four drivers, names the company associated with the tractor-trailer and says the truck driver was issued traffic citations. Police also corrected the description of one of two therapy dogs that escaped after the collision.
The Utica Phoenix first reported the crash on Aug. 19, when State Police had not yet released the identities of the drivers or announced whether citations would be issued. Readers can review our original report on the four-vehicle I-81 work zone crash here. Read the original Utica Phoenix report
Tractor-Trailer Driver Received Traffic Citations
According to the State Police update released Friday, Aug. 21, the tractor-trailer was a 2025 Kenworth associated with Kurtex Logistics Inc.
Police identified the driver as Servin Keshfiiev, 45, of Chalfont, Pennsylvania, and said he was issued traffic citations. The State Police release did not specify the individual violations cited or provide additional information about any court appearance.
That is an important development from the initial report. On Wednesday, police had said only that their preliminary investigation found that a tractor-trailer struck another vehicle while traveling through the active work zone.
The impact set off a chain reaction involving four vehicles.
State Police have not announced criminal charges in connection with the crash. A traffic citation is not the same as a criminal charge, and the issuance of a citation does not by itself establish civil or criminal liability.
Police Identify All Four Vehicles and Drivers
The State Police update provided a fuller picture of who was involved.
Police identified the vehicles and drivers as:
- 2025 Kenworth tractor-trailer — operated by Servin Keshfiiev, 45, of Chalfont, Pennsylvania.
- 2017 BMW X3 — operated by David Michael Steria, 26, of Baldwinsville.
- 2015 Mazda CX-5 — operated by Kevin P. O’Brien, 72, of Whitney Point. A 56-year-old female passenger was also inside the Mazda.
- 2026 Hyundai Elantra — operated by Andrew C. Lee, 66, of Bethesda, Maryland.
State Police said the BMW was the vehicle initially struck by the tractor-trailer.
Investigators said the collision pushed the BMW into the Mazda. The Mazda then rolled over and struck the Hyundai.
Four People Taken to UHS Wilson Medical Center
The collision happened at approximately 11:59 a.m. Aug. 19 on Interstate 81 south in the Town of Barker near Exit 21 at Castle Creek.
Four people — one from each involved vehicle — were transported to UHS Wilson Medical Center.
State Police characterized their injuries as non-life-threatening.
Despite the crash occurring in an active construction zone, police said no highway workers were injured and no work-zone vehicles were damaged.
The southbound side of I-81 was briefly closed during the emergency response before reopening after several minutes.
Police Correct Breed of Missing Therapy Dog
The crash also left two therapy dogs missing.
The initial State Police release identified the dogs as a German shepherd and a poodle-type dog.
Friday’s update corrected that information. Police now say the two animals are:
- A Bernese Mountain Dog
- A Poodle
Both were traveling in the Mazda and ran away following the crash. They were last reported near Interstate 81 and Route 11.
As of the latest State Police update reviewed by the Utica Phoenix, authorities had not announced that the dogs had been found.
People who see loose dogs near the interstate should avoid creating an additional traffic hazard by suddenly stopping in a travel lane.
Fuel Spill Required DEC Response
The tractor-trailer also leaked fuel after the collision.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Response program responded to the scene, according to State Police.
Authorities have not disclosed the amount of fuel released or reported any significant environmental damage from the spill.
What We Know About Kurtex Logistics
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration records identify Kurtex Logistics Inc. as an interstate property carrier based in Aurora, Illinois.
Federal records list the company’s U.S. Department of Transportation number as 1775684 and show its operating authority as active. FMCSA records reviewed Friday list approximately 310 power units and 310 drivers.
Those records provide general regulatory information about the company. They should not be interpreted as determining responsibility for Wednesday’s crash.
The FMCSA itself cautions that its safety measurement information should not be used by itself to draw conclusions about a carrier’s overall safety condition.
What Changed From the Original Report?
For readers who followed Wednesday’s initial story, the Aug. 21 update adds several important facts.
Previously Known
State Police had already confirmed:
- Four vehicles were involved.
- Four people suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
- The crash began when a tractor-trailer struck another vehicle.
- One vehicle rolled over.
- Two dogs escaped.
- A tractor-trailer fuel spill required a DEC response.
- No construction workers were injured.
Newly Confirmed
Friday’s update adds:
- The identities of all four drivers.
- The makes, models and model years of the vehicles.
- Kurtex Logistics Inc. as the company associated with the Kenworth tractor-trailer.
- Traffic citations issued to tractor-trailer driver Servin Keshfiiev.
- Identification of the Mazda’s 56-year-old female passenger.
- Confirmation that the dogs were therapy dogs.
- Correction of one dog’s breed from German shepherd to Bernese Mountain Dog.
Investigation Remains Open
State Police continue to describe the investigation as ongoing.
The agency has not publicly detailed the specific traffic citations issued to Keshfiiev, nor has it announced additional enforcement action.
That distinction matters. Investigators can continue reviewing evidence even after traffic tickets are issued, and the final findings may provide additional information about how the collision occurred.
The Utica Phoenix will continue to follow developments, particularly any additional information concerning the traffic citations, the condition of those injured and whether the two missing therapy dogs are located.
For background and the initial timeline, readers can return to our Aug. 19 report, “Four Injured in I-81 Work Zone Crash in Broome County.” Read the original Utica Phoenix story
A Reminder About Work Zone Driving
Wednesday’s crash also highlights how quickly conditions can change inside a highway construction zone.
Drivers approaching work zones should:
- Slow down before reaching lane restrictions.
- Leave extra following distance.
- Expect sudden stops.
- Stay off mobile phones.
- Follow temporary lane markings and signs.
- Watch carefully for workers and construction equipment.
- Give large trucks additional space to stop and maneuver.
The people working beside highways depend heavily on motorists to follow those precautions.
In this case, four motorists were injured, a vehicle rolled over, fuel spilled from a tractor-trailer and two therapy dogs disappeared — yet, fortunately, State Police reported no life-threatening injuries and no highway workers were hurt.
The investigation is not over. As additional verified information becomes available, the Utica Phoenix will update readers rather than speculate about unanswered questions.
Sources
- New York State Police, Aug. 21, 2026 update — driver identities, vehicle information, traffic citations, therapy dogs and crash sequence.
- Utica Phoenix, Aug. 19, 2026 — original coverage and initial State Police findings.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — Kurtex Logistics carrier registration and operating information.
