Multiple weather-related collisions on the New York State Thruway on Thursday created a pileup involving approximately 40 vehicles. The accidents shut down the roadway in both directions while State Police, fire crews, and EMS personnel responded to the scene to assist in the cleanup.
The massive pileup occurred between Exits 48 and 48A in Batavia. New York State Police reported that a snow squall triggered the accidents by greatly reducing visibility and traction.
One truck driver, whose vehicle was totaled in the crash, told Rochester First that it was “whiteout conditions” and that the New York State Thruway was like a sheet of ice.
“I had to make a choice of either hitting the trucks in front of me, swerving off the road and running over cars, or get on the shoulder and brace for impact,” he said…