TOWN OF PORTER, N.Y. (WKBW) — A New York State Police trooper is in critical condition following a collision between his state police motorcycle and a vehicle Friday afternoon in the Niagara County Town of Porter.
State police say Sergeant Station Commander Salvatore A. Mattina, a ten-year veteran on the force, now suffers multiple fractures, internal bleeding and organ damage due to the crash.
According to state police, a vehicle operated by a 69-year-old woman from Youngstown was exiting the Niagara Scenic Parkway northbound onto State Route 93 around 1:20 p.m. when she failed to yield the right of way.
Her vehicle was hit by Mattina's motorcycle, which was heading eastbound.
"State Police Harley Davidsons typically don't do patrol," said New York State Police Trooper Jim O'Callaghan. "He was actually down here because tomorrow is the Western New York Mercy Flight Dice Run. And he's involved in that and was going to be participate in that. So that's why he was here. He was running the route to make sure there were no last-minute safety concerns. And unfortunately, he was ultimately struck today."
Mattina was taken to Erie County Medical Center. State police say he will need to undergo multiple surgeries in the near future.
The driver of the vehicle was taken to St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston with minor injuries.
The accident is still under investigation.
