Tragic New Year's Day Collision in Rochester, N.Y. 2 Dead, 5 Injured

Jan. 1, 2024, saw a catastrophic crash outside the Kodak Centre in Rochester, N.Y. that left two people dead and several critically hurt.Photo byWHEC

The dawn of New Year's Day in Rochester, New York, was marred by a tragic collision between two vehicles, a calamity that claimed the lives of two individuals and left five others injured. The incident unfolded shortly before 1 a.m. as police were managing traffic following the conclusion of a concert at the Kodak Centre theatre complex.

The crash involved a Ford Expedition and a Mitsubishi Outlander, resulting in a catastrophic impact that propelled both vehicles into a group of pedestrians within a crosswalk. The collision triggered a fiery explosion, engulfing the scene in flames that blazed intensely, requiring over an hour for the fire department to quell the inferno.

Amidst the wreckage, a startling discovery emerged—authorities found a cache of approximately twelve gasoline canisters in and around the Ford Expedition. This concerning revelation prompted an immediate response from law enforcement, mobilizing an arson team and alerting the FBI to join the investigation.

Confirming their involvement, the FBI Buffalo Field Office released a statement acknowledging their collaboration with the Rochester Police Department in the ongoing inquiry. However, details surrounding the circumstances of the collision remained scarce as investigations continued.

Tragically, the collision claimed the lives of two passengers in the Mitsubishi Outlander, while the driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Ford Expedition was hospitalized with critical injuries. Additionally, three pedestrians who were struck during the collision were transported to hospitals, with one in critical condition.

As authorities probed the incident, they appealed to witnesses and the public for any information that could aid in the investigation. The city of Rochester, situated approximately 340 miles northwest of Manhattan, grappled with the aftermath of this devastating collision, prompting both shock and a collective call for answers amidst the tragedy that unfolded at the onset of the new year.