Rochester, New York – Authorities are investigating a tragic incident that occurred on New Year’s Day in Rochester, where a fiery crash led to the death of two people and injuries to several others. The driver of an SUV, identified as Michael Avery, 35, was found with gas canisters in his vehicle as he sped towards pedestrians and collided with a car outside the Kodak Center after a concert in the area.
The motive behind Avery’s actions remains unclear, as police urge the public to come forward with any information that may shed light on the situation. Rochester Police Chief David M. Smith mentioned that Avery may have been dealing with possible undiagnosed mental health issues, but there is no evidence suggesting a political or social motivation behind the crash.
The tragic event unfolded in the early hours of the morning as concert-goers were leaving a performance by the band “moe” at the Kodak Center. Avery allegedly drove his Ford Expedition towards where police officers were directing traffic, ultimately crashing into another vehicle and causing significant harm to bystanders in the crosswalk. The passengers of the second vehicle, Justina Hughes and Josh Orr, lost their lives in the collision.
Following the crash, a massive explosion occurred, leading to a substantial fire that required the intervention of the fire department to extinguish. Authorities discovered multiple gas canisters in and around Avery’s vehicle, prompting further investigation by the police and FBI to uncover the full extent of the situation.
Prior to the incident, Avery had traveled to Rochester from the Syracuse area and had rented the SUV from a local car rental agency. Investigators found that Avery had made several purchases of gasoline and gas containers in the days leading up to the crash, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing examination of his actions.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, officials are pleading with any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward to assist in the investigation. The band “moe” expressed their shock and sadness at the turn of events, emphasizing their support for the victims and their families during this difficult time.
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans expressed his condolences for the victims and their loved ones, urging patience as authorities work to piece together the details of the incident. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, as the city of Rochester mourns the loss and prays for the recovery of those affected by the crash.