On February 17, 2023, shortly after midnight, State Police responded to a serious injury crash on I-190 southbound, in the city of Buffalo, Erie County.
A preliminary investigation determined Rebecca A. Vosburgh, 36, of Cheektowaga, NY, was operating a 2009 Pontiac Vibe, southbound on I-190 in the area of the Peace Bridge, when her vehicle struck the guiderail and became disabled, partially blocking both lanes. Zoraida Delgado, 27, of Buffalo, NY, was traveling southbound in a 2007 Toyota Rav 4, encountered the scene and pulled onto the shoulder to render assistance. Moments later, during a brief conversation between Delgado and Vosburgh, a 2007 International Harvester tractor trailer operated by Richard E. Spence, 65, of Cleveland, Ohio, was traveling southbound on I-190. Due to the crest of the highway and low visibility, Spence was unable to avoid the collision. The tractor trailer struck the Pontiac Vibe causing the tractor trailer to jackknife and go through the guiderail on the right shoulder. The Toyota Rav 4 which was parked on the shoulder, sustained minor damage.
Vosburgh was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Erie County Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased. A passenger in the Pontiac, James M. Papaj, 58, of Tonawanda, NY, was extricated from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Delgado and Spence were not injured.
Troopers were assisted on scene by Troop A CRU (Collision Reconstruction Unit), CVEU (Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit), BCI, Thruway Traffic Safety and Maintenance. All southbound traffic was diverted at exit 9 (Peace Bridge) while the crash was reconstructed, and vehicles were recovered..
All lanes reopened by approximately 6:30 a.m.
The crash remains under investigation.
I want to know what happened to the truck driver. Was he speeding was he on drugs why did