Rochester, NY — A tragic incident unfolded at Rochester General Hospital on Wednesday morning, when a multi-car crash in the facility’s parking garage led to a vehicle fire and the death of one man, according to the Rochester Police Department.
The crash occurred around 11:15 a.m. on the second floor of the hospital’s parking structure. Authorities say a driver struck several parked cars before the vehicle came to a stop and burst into flames.
Firefighters Discover Deceased Man Inside Vehicle
The Rochester Fire Department (RFD) responded swiftly to extinguish the blaze. Once the fire was out, firefighters discovered a man inside the burning vehicle, who was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.
According to Lt. Jackie Sierra from the RFD, at least six other vehicles sustained fire-related damage during the incident.
The second floor of the parking garage has been closed to the public and will remain quarantined while investigators determine the cause of the crash and assess the extent of the damage.
Investigation Underway
Police are still investigating how the collision occurred and are working to identify the deceased man so that his family can be notified. Officials have not yet released the man’s name or details about whether medical issues or other factors may have contributed to the crash.
Authorities are reviewing security footage from the garage and interviewing witnesses to understand what led up to the fiery crash, as reported.
Hospital Operations Continue Normally
Despite the chaos, Rochester General Hospital confirmed that there was no lockdown and all hospital operations continued as normal throughout the incident.
In a statement, the hospital’s president said patient care was uninterrupted, and the fire was contained quickly thanks to the fast response from police and firefighters.
Visitors, patients, and staff were temporarily redirected to alternative parking areas, including the Carter Street garage, while emergency crews secured the affected area.
Structural Integrity Verified
Hospital officials announced that the parking garage underwent a full structural assessment following the fire. Engineers have verified that the structure remains safe and intact, though cleanup efforts are ongoing.
The hospital expects the garage to reopen by Thursday, with some sections remaining temporarily closed out of caution as crews repair and clean the damaged areas.
“Safety remains our top priority,” hospital officials said. “We are grateful for the quick actions of Rochester Fire and Police personnel who prevented this situation from becoming even more dangerous.”
Community and Staff Support
The incident has deeply affected both hospital employees and visitors who witnessed the fire. Counseling and support services are being made available for staff members shaken by the tragedy.
Hospital officials also reminded the public to follow posted detours and parking signs while cleanup continues and thanked the community for its patience.
Authorities Urge Caution
The Rochester Police Department urged drivers to exercise caution in multi-level parking garages, especially during winter months when visibility and traction can be reduced.
Police expect to release more information once the victim’s identity is confirmed and next of kin are notified.
Do you believe more safety measures should be added in parking garages to prevent tragedies like this. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
