3 Recovering from Exposure After Poisonous Gas Closes I-81 for Hours

Three people are recovering from chemical exposure after poisonous gas shut down I-81 in both directions for hours.

The interstate closed between Tully and Layfayette Monday morning after the New York State Police found a vehicle parked near the median with an unconscious driver. Inside was toxic chemicals and a note.

Troopers Dennis Carbone and Corey Fike broke through the passenger window to pull out the driver, 53-year-old Phillip Roundy.

A note was discovered on the driver seat that stated poison gas was inside and troopers could smell a toxic vapor from a mixture of chemical acid and cleaning solutions.

Both troopers and the driver were taken to Upstate University Hospital where they all were treated for exposure to the toxic vapor. The trooper were also treated for other minor injuries suffered from pulling Roundy from the car and released. Roundy is still in the hospital in serious condition.

I-81 was shut down in both directions for hours, creating gridlock on surrounding roads as Monday morning commuters tried to find another way around.

The investigation is continuing.