Wrong-way crash claims three lives

GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) - An elderly driver traveled the wrong way on I-190, in Grand Island, overnight resulting in a tragic crash.

State Police say the 87-year-old man's vehicle traveled north on I-190 South around 12:45 a.m. Monday, striking an SUV head on. Police say three people died, and both drivers were taken to ECMC where they are listed in critical condition.

Nearby resident Crystal Kirtz said, “I looked out the window and saw the cars out there. So I came out the back door, because it's only like 75 feet from my bedroom window. I came out and both the car and SUV were both on fire.”

Kirtz awoke to the loud crash sometime after midnight, a crash so loud that it sounded like it happened right in her driveway.

State Troopers and rescue workers got to the scene quickly and put out fires in a car and SUV. According to witnesses, the jaws of life were used to help get at least one person out of the car.

For Kirtz, the accident scene is something she will always remember.

Kirtz said, “It was pretty horrible, I'm just very thankful my daughter wasn't awake, because it's not something I'd like her to see.”