BATAVIA, NY — Multiple weather-related collisions involving approximately 40 vehicles closed portions of the Thruway near Exit 48 in Batavia on January 29, prompting extensive emergency response and road closures throughout the afternoon and evening.
According to State Police, the incidents began during a snow squall, resulting in numerous crashes involving both commercial and passenger vehicles in the westbound lanes around 2:30 p.m.
Four individuals were transported to Erie County Medical Center and two to United Memorial Medical Center-Batavia for minor injuries.
Simultaneously, more than a dozen vehicles were involved in additional minor crashes on the eastbound Thruway in the same area, requiring the diversion of traffic at Exit 48A.
Cleanup and recovery efforts took several hours, with both light and heavy tow vehicles brought in to clear the affected roadways.
The New York State Police expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by Pembroke Fire and EMS departments, Genesee County Office of Emergency Operations, and NYS Thruway Authority Maintenance personnel.
Authorities lifted the eastbound diversion at Exit 48A by 3:00 p.m., but the westbound diversion at Exit 48 continued for several more hours.
All lanes were fully reopened by 8:30 a.m. January 30.
