BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that one of its employees was killed in an early morning crash in the area of the I-190 and I-290 split.
The incident occurred around 6 a.m. on Wednesday when an NFTA-Metro Paratransit vehicle overturned.
Around 3 p.m. Wednesday, the NFTA said 60-year-old Chequita Smith, a Metro-Link employee, was killed in the crash. Smith worked for the NFTA for more than nine years as an operator and instructor.
"Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with her have lost a dear friend.
No words can adequately express our sadness. We ask that you please keep Chequita’s family and friends in your prayers."
The Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents transit and allied workers in the U.S. and Canada, expressed its sympathy and condolences to Smith's family and friends Wednesday afternoon.
The NFTA said the two other people in the vehicle, the driver and a passenger, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash caused a closure of the ramp from the I-190 south to I-290 east for a period of time Wednesday morning.
