FBI collaborates with local authorities to investigate fatal New Year’s crash outside Kodak center

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has joined forces with local law enforcement to scrutinize a tragic motor vehicle collision that claimed the lives of two individuals and left two others in critical condition.

The incident unfolded at approximately 12:50 a.m. on West Ridge Road, coinciding with the departure of approximately 1,000 concertgoers from an event at the Kodak Center, as detailed by the Rochester Police. The collision involving a Ford Expedition and a Mitsubishi Outlander transpired in the proximity of a parking lot, leading to a devastating vehicle fire.

Two passengers in the Mitsubishi lost their lives, while the Expedition’s driver and a pedestrian struck by the vehicles during street-crossing sustained critical injuries. The Mitsubishi’s driver, however, is expected to recover after receiving medical attention.

Rochester police emphasized their collaboration with federal partners, including the FBI, to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. The fire in the Expedition, which took about an hour to extinguish, revealed the presence of at least 12 gas canisters near the wreckage.

FBI Public Affairs Officer Jeannie McBride confirmed the involvement of the FBI Buffalo Field Office in the ongoing investigation. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans expressed a commitment to transparency and urged the community to await updates as the investigation progresses.

In response to the tragic events, the band moe., which performed at the Kodak Center the previous night, released a statement expressing profound shock and sadness. The community is encouraged to share any pertinent information by calling 911.