BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — One person has died and another was seriously injured when a minivan crashed into the McKinley Monument in Buffalo's Niagara Square Thursday morning.
Police said this is now a criminal investigation.
"Right now, we have our accident investigation unit at the scene conducting their follow up. And we've also notified the Erie County District Attorney's Office as at this point this is a criminal investigation to determine exactly what happened," said Captain Jeff Rinaldo with the Buffalo Police Department.
Buffalo fire crews responded shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday.
According to police the driver was speeding down Delaware Avenue when he lost control of his Toyota Sienna and crashed into the monument in front of city hall. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Officials said the female passenger, now identified as 34-year-old Angel Marie Cobb of Buffalo, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 40-year-old male driver is listed in critical condition at ECMC.
Police are asking anyone who saw the car speeding down Delaware Ave or driving erratically to call their confidential tipline at 716-847-2255.
