Rochester, N.Y. – A tragic traffic accident occurred Tuesday afternoon when a city garbage truck struck a man using a motorized wheelchair at the intersection of Hudson Avenue and Warsaw Street. Police responded to the scene at approximately 3:30 p.m. and found the victim deceased.

Details of the collision

According to Rochester Police Department Captain Greg Bello, the eastbound garbage truck was attempting a left turn from Warsaw Street onto Hudson Avenue when it made contact with the wheelchair user, who was traveling northbound on the west shoulder of the road. The driver of the truck was not injured and appeared to be sober, with no signs of drug or alcohol influence.

Community reaction

Bystander Carl Canty described the scene as “devastating,” noting that several onlookers were visibly distraught. Canty added, “It was just kind of devastating to drive by and see that and think someone just probably left, went to the store, wherever, and they’re not going to return home.”

City response

Mayor Malik Evans issued a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and emphasizing the city’s commitment to a full investigation. “We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to determine how this accident happened and what can be done to prevent further tragedies like this one,” the mayor said. He also extended his thoughts to the garbage truck driver, noting the emotional toll such an event can have on first‑responders and municipal employees.

Call for information

Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or captured video footage to contact 911 with any relevant details. The investigation will be led by the Rochester Police Department in coordination with city officials.

Safety considerations

This incident highlights the importance of safe turning practices for large municipal vehicles, especially in areas with mixed traffic and vulnerable road users. City officials have indicated they will review existing traffic patterns and consider additional safety measures, such as clearer signage or adjusted turn lanes, to reduce the risk of similar accidents in the future.

Next steps

The police department will release further findings as the investigation progresses. In the meantime, community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any unsafe driving behavior they observe on city streets.

Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.