Driver runs red light, fiery 8-vehicle crash in Batavia leaves 3 hospitalized

BATAVIA, N.Y. (WROC) — A fiery, multi-vehicle crash in Batavia on Monday morning sent three people to the hospital, including one person with life-threatening injuries. Police said the crash happened around 7:40 a.m. at the busy intersection of West Main Street (State Route 5) and Oak Street (Route 98). Investigators say a white sedan heading east on West Main Street entered the intersection at a high rate of speed and ran a red light, colliding with a gray SUV traveling north on Route 98. The impact pushed both vehicles into several others that were stopped at a traffic light heading westbound. In total, eight vehicles were damaged. Authorities say one of the vehicles caught fire after the crash, trapping the driver inside. Officers and nearby bystanders rushed to help, pulling the person from the burning vehicle before first responders arrived. Several people also used fire extinguishers in an attempt to knock down the flames. Fire crews from the City of Batavia quickly arrived and put out the fire. Three people were taken to area hospitals. One victim was flown by Mercy Flight to Strong Memorial Hospital with critical injuries. Others were treated for what officials described as minor injuries. The intersection was shut down for several hours as emergency crews worked the scene and investigators began piecing together what led up to the crash. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact the Batavia Police Department.