BUFFALO, N.Y. – One person has died after a crash involving at least a dozen vehicles brought traffic to a standstill for miles along the New York Thruway outside Buffalo Tuesday afternoon, according to officials.
Snow was falling as 15 to 25 vehicles collided just before 2 p.m., police said. Officials do not yet know what caused the pileup of cars.
At least two people were taken to the hospital, according to The Buffalo News. One later died and the other is listed in serious condition. The jumble of vehicles left multiple people trapped in their cars.
Congestion from the crash extended more than 7 miles from the scene of the accident, according to NITTEC, a coalition of agencies that monitors real-time traffic conditions. Police were forced to close both Eastbound lanes of the Thruway and divert traffic.
Making matters more difficult for drivers, first responders and city workers is the snow that continues to fall as high winds create whiteout conditions. A blizzard warning is in effect until 1 a.m. for Northern Eerie County.
