Ovid car-buggy crash injures 6 from Amish family

On Sunday evening at 7:39 pm Seneca County Sheriff’s Office reports that Deputies investigated a personal injury auto accident on County Road 139 in the Town of Ovid. A vehicle being driven westbound on County Road 139 by 29 year old Natalie L. Covert of 2119 Chapman Street Ovid struck a westbound horse drawn buggy with 6 Amish occupants.The buggy flipped over and the 6 occupants were ejected or partially ejected. Inside the buggy was the driver 39 year old Benjamin S. Esh, his wife 37 year old Fannie S. Esh, 1 year old Benjamin S. Esh, 3 year old Abner B. Esh, 16 year old Katie F. Esh and 7 year old Sierra F. Esh all of 8613 Tunison Road Interlaken.Ambulance crews from South Seneca, North Seneca, Trumansburg and Hector responded to the scene to assist. The driver of the buggy 39 year old Benjamin Esh and 16 yr old Kat ie Esh were transported by ambulance to Strong Memorial, where they were both treated and released. 3 year old Abner was also transported to Strong Memorial by Mercy Flight Central where he is still listed in guarded condition. Fannie Esh was treated at the scene by ambulance personnel. The other occupants of the buggy were transported to Cayuga Medical Center in Tompkins County for treatment of non-life threatening injuries and released to family.The Sheriff’s Office Accident Investigation Unit responded to the scene and County Road 139 was closed off for about 3 1/2 hours during the reconstruction. Also assisting at the scene were the members of the Ovid Fire Department. Covert was issued a ticket for Fail to Reduce Speed Approaching a Horse and will have to answer the charge in Ovid Town Court.