Batavia, NY (September 14, 2026) – One person died, and two others were injured in a two-vehicle crash on Sunday evening, September 13, in the Town of Batavia. The collision happened at the intersection of State Route 63 and Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting the crash at 6:42 p.m. A preliminary investigation found that an SUV traveling west on Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road failed to stop at a stop sign and entered the intersection with State Route 63, according to the sheriff’s office. A minivan heading south on Route 63 with two people inside struck the SUV, authorities said.
A passenger in the minivan, identified by the sheriff’s office as Donald Fitch of Basom, NY, died as a result of the crash. Both drivers were taken to area hospitals with injuries described by authorities as not life-threatening.
The crash remains under investigation, and no further details have been released.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
What the Numbers Show About Deaths in Vehicle Crashes
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. That figure includes pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of other types of vehicles caught up in crashes with passenger cars, SUVs, and vans.
Intersection crashes, like the one in Batavia, often involve one vehicle failing to yield or stop as required, then getting struck by cross traffic with the right of way. The vehicle that is hit broadside or at an angle often absorbs less structural protection than in a straight rear-end or head-on impact, which can raise the risk of serious injury for occupants seated on the side of impact.
Passengers, not just drivers, make up a meaningful share of crash deaths nationally. Where someone sits in a vehicle and whether they are wearing a seat belt can affect how survivable a given collision is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do fatal crashes most often happen?
Rural intersections and roads with higher speed limits see a large share of fatal crashes, often because vehicles are moving faster and drivers have less time to react to cross traffic or stopped vehicles.
What factors make a crash more likely to be fatal?
Higher speeds, failure to stop or yield at intersections, and lack of seat belt use all raise the odds that a crash will result in death rather than injury.
How does speed affect whether people survive a crash?
Even modest increases in speed sharply increase the force involved in a collision, which is why intersection crashes at highway speeds tend to be more severe than similar crashes in slower zones.
Why does seat belt use matter so much?
Seat belts keep occupants from being thrown against the vehicle’s interior or ejected during a collision, which significantly improves the chances of surviving a crash.
What to Do After a Two-Vehicle Crash in Batavia, New York
If you’re involved in a crash at an intersection, call 911 right away and stay where it’s safe until help arrives. Even if injuries seem minor at first, it’s worth getting checked out by a medical provider, since some injuries from a collision don’t show symptoms immediately.
Exchange information with the other driver if you’re able, and try to note details like the time and location while they’re fresh. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office will typically file an official report, which can take time to complete as investigators gather evidence and interview those involved. Cooperating with that process and giving yourself time to recover physically and emotionally matters more than rushing to sort out what happened.
