Speeding driver charged in fiery 8-vehicle pileup crash in Batavia

Batavia, N.Y. — A man was arrested Wednesday in connection to a multi-vehicle crash earlier this year that left one person critically hurt, according to the Batavia Police Department. Christopher Parker blew a red light at the intersection Main and Oak streets in Batavia on the morning of March 23 and struck another vehicle, police said. Those two vehicles then collided with several other vehicles that were stopped at the intersection. A total of eight vehicles were damaged. Parker's car was fully engulfed in flames after the crash. He was rescued by Sgt. Kevin DeFelice, along with other first responders and bystanders, who pulled him from the vehicle, according to police. Parker was airlifted to Strong Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Two other people involved in the crash were hurt and taken to local hospitals. There's been no update on their conditions. BACKGROUND: Batavia police officer recounts pulling driver from burning car after 8-vehicle crash Parker has been charged with first-degree assault and reckless endangerment and was issued tickets for several traffic violations, including: Speed not reasonable and prudent Passing through a red light No seatbelt - driver Failure to keep right Moving from lane unsafely Parker was arraigned and released from custody to pre-trial supervision, police said.