Alden, NY (August 24, 2025) – A tragic accident in the Town of Alden claimed the life of an Amherst woman on Friday afternoon. The crash occurred around 4:15 p.m. at the intersection of Walden Ave and Genesee St, involving a Honda SUV and a tractor-trailer. According to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, the SUV, driven by 80-year-old Carol Privitera of Amherst, collided with the tractor-trailer as both vehicles moved through the intersection.
Authorities reported that Privitera was traveling east on Genesee St and stopped at the intersection before attempting to continue onto Genesee St. As she entered the intersection, her vehicle collided with the westbound tractor-trailer that had the right-of-way and was continuing straight onto Walden Ave. Millgrove Volunteer Fire Department and Lancaster Volunteer Ambulance Corps crews responded to the scene, but sadly, Privitera was pronounced dead while being transported to the hospital.
The crash remains under investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family and loved ones of Carol Privitera during this difficult time.
Tractor-Trailer Collisions in Erie County
Accidents involving tractor-trailers, such as the fatal crash at Walden Ave and Genesee St, often result in devastating outcomes due to the size and weight of commercial trucks compared to passenger vehicles. In Erie County, these types of collisions are particularly concerning at intersections where sight lines, traffic control devices, and driver decisions all play critical roles.
According to state crash data, large truck accidents in New York contribute to a significant portion of traffic fatalities each year. The high impact force of tractor-trailers makes collisions especially dangerous for drivers of smaller vehicles. Factors such as misjudged turns, failure to yield, and driver distraction are frequently involved in these crashes.
For families affected by fatal tractor-trailer accidents, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate tragedy. Emotional loss, funeral expenses, and financial strain from the sudden absence of a loved one can place heavy burdens on survivors. New York law provides avenues for families to pursue wrongful death claims in cases where negligence may have contributed to a crash.
Improving awareness at intersections, enhancing traffic control measures, and ensuring both passenger vehicle drivers and truck operators exercise caution are vital steps in reducing the frequency of such tragedies.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a fatal accident, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
