BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Three people were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Buffalo's Genesee Moselle neighborhood on Monday afternoon.
Buffalo police say the crash happened just before 1 p.m. at the intersection of Genesee Street and Kilhoffer Street, a few blocks southwest of Bailey Avenue.
Buffalo Police Captain Jeff Rinaldo said two men and one woman were killed. Police have not released their names.
BREAKING: BPD say three people are deceased in connection with a two vehicle accident at Genesee St. & Kilhoffer just before 1pm. Police say other victims have been transported to hospitals. Motorists should avoid the area & use alternate routes.
— Buffalo Police Dept (@BPDAlerts) December 28, 2020
Camera footage from a nearby store showed a black van drifting across the center lane and crashing head on into a silver sedan. Cell phone footage showed first responders working to get people out of the car. Witnesses said the driver of the van was speeding.
Rinaldo says the three people that died in the crash were: a 38-year-old Niagara Falls man who was driving the black van, a 67-year-old Buffalo man who was driving the sedan and an 18-year-old rear passenger of the sedan.
No charges have been filed because it is believed the black van caused the crash and the driver died, but officials say toxicology reports are still being conducted on all involved.
Rinaldo said a 61 year old walking in the street was hit with debris. He was taken to ECMC along with an 18-year-old male who was a front passenger in the sedan.
James Wysinger is a cook at May Corner Store on Genesee St. He came into work after the crash.
“As I was coming in, I just, it was just so tragic," Wysinger said. "I’m like wow that’s just, you know, because I just expected it to happen any day now.”
Wysinger said cars often speed down the street, but speeding isn't the only issue. He said cars often swerve to avoid the street's many potholes.
Police said witnesses saw a man run from the mini van. They are now looking for surveillance footage that could help identify him. Police are asking witnesses to call the confidential tipline, 716-847-2255.
