Buffalo, NY (September 17, 2025) – A pedestrian was injured late Tuesday night in a hit-and-run crash at the intersection of Benzinger St and Vanderbilt St in Buffalo’s East Lovejoy neighborhood. Emergency crews, including Buffalo Fire and EMS, responded to the scene at approximately 11:40 p.m. following reports of a vehicle striking a person and fleeing the area.
The vehicle involved was identified as a gray Dodge Durango, reportedly last seen near the laundromat at East Lovejoy and Benzinger. The pedestrian was struck at the intersection with Vanderbilt St and sustained injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Buffalo EMS and Engine 28 responded to assist the victim, whose condition has not yet been officially disclosed.
Audio transcripts and police reports also indicated that a female involved in the situation showed signs of distress and possible domestic trouble. Additional units were dispatched in connection with a related disturbance call nearby.
Authorities are actively investigating the incident and searching for the driver of the Dodge Durango. As of now, no arrests have been made and the hit-and-run remains unresolved.
We extend our hopes for a full recovery to the injured pedestrian and urge anyone with information about the fleeing driver to come forward.
Pedestrian Hit-and-Runs in Buffalo
Hit-and-run accidents are some of the most alarming and traumatic incidents on urban roadways. When a pedestrian is struck and the driver flees the scene—like in Tuesday night’s incident at Benzinger and Vanderbilt—the risk of severe injury or even death increases due to delayed medical response.
Buffalo’s East Lovejoy area sees a mix of residential and light commercial traffic, and intersections like Benzinger St and Vanderbilt St often have limited visibility and reduced lighting at night. These factors create dangerous conditions for pedestrians, particularly after dark.
A fleeing driver not only abandons their responsibility but also compounds the harm by delaying potentially life-saving assistance. In this case, first responders were able to arrive quickly and assist the victim, but the consequences could have been much worse. The added presence of a domestic disturbance further complicates the situation, raising questions about the driver’s state of mind or intent.
Victims of pedestrian hit-and-runs frequently face long recoveries, complex legal challenges, and emotional trauma. Prompt investigations and community cooperation are key to ensuring accountability and preventing future incidents.
If you witnessed this crash or know the identity of the driver, contact Buffalo Police immediately.
Hit by a vehicle and unsure what to do next? Local Accident Reports provides reliable information and connects injured victims with critical resources. Reach out to Local Accident Reports today to get the support you need on the road to recovery.
