On March 10, at 4:59 p.m., the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department responded to Interstate 81 Northbound for a reported three-car motor vehicle collision.

Firefighters arrived to find three automobiles sprawled across the northbound lanes between Interstate 90 and the Mattydale exit, one of which had rolled into a creek beneath the bridge. A City of Syracuse deputy chief was already on the scene and helped with the initial scene size-up before Hinsdale Car 1 arrived and took command.

After confirming conditions with Onondaga Fire Control, the chief requested an additional rescue unit from the Mattydale Fire Department. Hinsdale Rescue 5 arrived and began evaluating patients and addressing hazards with assistance from Hinsdale Engine 8, Mattydale Squad 4, three NAVAC ambulances, and New York State Police.