Unforgettable scene at fatal crash site

It was an accident scene that first responders say they won't soon forget.

One New York State Police Investigator calls Tuesday evening's fatal accident, at the intersection of Genesee and Springville-Boston State Roads in the Town of Concord, one of the worst he's ever seen.

"The tractor trailer did not stop at a stop sign at the location and impacted the pickup truck, which caused a collision of all the vehicles involved, which eventually put the tractor trailer on its side," said Lt. Kevin Barnas, New York State Police.

Killed in the crash, 33-year-old Joseph Nebrich of Cattaraugus. Authorities say he was on his way home from work. The driver of the semi, 22-year-old Daniel Taft.

Barnas said, "He's a 22-year-old male from Jasper, NY which is south of Rochester, but he is familiar with that area. He does drive that area on a regular basis." News 4 asked, "So he knew there was a stop sign there?" Barnas answered, "That is correct."

In the daylight hours,you can see Genesee Road has a sharp slope. The tractor trailer was on the sharp slope.

Barnas said, "It's not very well lit like an expressway or something like that. It might be a pitch or a grade that makes it difficult for some operators to see that intersection is controlled by a stop sign."

However, investigators say Taft is familiar with the area. So why didn't he stop?

Barnas said, "He stated he did not see the stop sign."

It took nearly 12 hours to clear the scene because the tractor trailer was carrying heavy equipment and the driver of the pickup truck was hauling another pickup truck. Power lines were also cause for concern.

"The power lines were live on both vehicles. The operator of the tractor trailer was able to escape the vehicle, while the driver of the pickup was unable to escape," said Barnas.