Buffalo, NY (September 15, 2025) – Emergency personnel from Buffalo Fire and Rescue responded on Saturday evening to a serious multi-vehicle accident along Route 33 westbound, near the intersections with Humboldt Parkway and Parkside Avenue. Several injuries were reported in the collision, which involved at least three vehicles and led to a significant emergency response.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:26 p.m. on September 13 and resulted in the deployment of airbags in at least one of the vehicles. Initial radio transmissions from Buffalo Police, Fire, and EMS confirmed that medics treated the injured at the scene and that multiple rescue units, including Ladder 6, Rescue 1, and EMS crews, were dispatched to assist.
The westbound lanes of Route 33 were temporarily shut down near the NY-198 merge, causing traffic to be diverted as crews worked to clear the scene and provide medical care. While the total number of injured victims has not been officially released, fire officials confirmed that at least one individual required rescue and on-site treatment for accident-related injuries. The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation by local law enforcement.
Notably, during the response, police also monitored an unrelated but urgent situation involving a 75-year-old missing individual with dementia, who was tracked in the vicinity of a wooded area nearby. Authorities coordinated efforts between accident response and the missing person case, highlighting the complexity and intensity of the situation for emergency services.
We extend our thoughts to all those impacted by this incident and wish a full recovery to those who were hurt.
Multi-Car Collisions in New York
Saturday evening’s multi-vehicle crash on Route 33 highlights the dangers associated with high-speed urban expressways and the importance of driver awareness, particularly at merge points like the NY-198 interchange. These sections often pose visibility and spacing challenges, especially during evening hours or under conditions of high traffic volume.
In cases like this, where multiple vehicles are involved and injuries are confirmed, the immediate priority is always victim care and scene safety. Buffalo EMS teams responded quickly to provide emergency support, while Buffalo Police coordinated traffic diversion and investigation procedures. The location of the accident, near a forested stretch of Route 33, added urgency, given its proximity to another public safety concern involving a vulnerable missing person.
Multi-car accidents often happen when drivers fail to maintain a proper distance or react too late to sudden traffic changes. When traffic congestion occurs or lanes merge, especially on fast-moving highways like Route 33, the risk of rear-end or chain-reaction collisions increases dramatically. The presence of deployed airbags is an indication of the force involved, and even seemingly moderate crashes can result in serious injuries, including whiplash, fractures, or traumatic injuries.
For Buffalo residents traveling these routes regularly, this incident reinforces the need for careful navigation through known bottleneck zones and attentiveness to merging traffic. Law enforcement continues to study accident patterns in this corridor to improve signage, signal timing, and public safety initiatives.
Recovering from a serious car accident involves much more than vehicle repairs; it includes medical treatments, therapy, insurance processes, and at times, legal action. For those injured in multi-vehicle crashes like the one near Humboldt and Parkside, understanding your rights and accessing timely resources can make a major difference.
If you’ve been injured in a collision in Buffalo or anywhere in Erie County, you don’t have to navigate the recovery process alone. At Local Accident Reports, we help connect you with the medical, legal, and support services necessary to get your life back on track. Reach out to learn more about how we can assist you during this difficult time.