Pamelia, NY (February 8, 2025) – A woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after being ejected through a vehicle’s sunroof in a crash that occurred Thursday afternoon on Interstate 81 in Jefferson County. According to State Police, 55-year-old Ahmed Azzam of Ohio was driving a 2024 Kia when the vehicle went off the east side of the highway and overturned. Troopers stated that Azzam was driving too fast for the conditions at the time of the crash.
Meryem Azzam, 25, also of Ohio, was a passenger in the back seat and was ejected through the sunroof during the crash. Authorities reported that she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. Meryem was transported to Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown with serious injuries.
Ahmed Azzam and the front-seat passenger, Asmaa E. Maaroufi, 32, also of Ohio, were both taken to the hospital but are expected to recover from their non-life-threatening injuries. Following the incident, Ahmed was issued a speeding ticket, and Meryem was given a citation for not wearing a seatbelt.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this crash.
Vehicle Accidents in New York
Accidents like the one that occurred on Interstate 81 serve as a reminder of the importance of adjusting driving speed to match road and weather conditions. The crash also highlights the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt, as Meryem Azzam’s ejection through the sunroof could have been prevented by simple safety precautions.
In situations like this, passengers and drivers alike are reminded of the critical importance of always wearing seatbelts, as they are one of the most effective safety measures in preventing serious injuries or fatalities. Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident, and such crashes underscore the risks associated with speeding, especially in areas where road conditions may be unpredictable.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.