BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Police are investigating an accident scene involving a City of Buffalo garbage truck, located on Rhode Island Street near 14th Street.
In an update, a City of Buffalo official said that the accident occurred just before 8:30 a.m.
Central District officers reported that a city garbage truck had been backing up when it hit a 17-year-old boy.
The teen was transported by an ambulance to Oishei with injuries that were considered to be serious in nature. He was most recently listed in critical condition after undergoing surgery for multiple internal injuries.
The 46-year-old driver of the garbage truck has been suspended "without pay, pending further review of the incident," according to Department of Public Works Commissioner Nate Marton. That news came in the form of a statement released by the city on Wednesday evening.
Neighbors that had been nearby at the time of the accident, had told our reporter at the scene that the truck may have hit someone crossing the street and was traveling fast.
The accident remains under investigation, according to city officials, who added that the garbage truck was impounded. It's being held at the Seneca Street garage.
The Buffalo Police Department and the Erie County District Attorney's Office are both investigating the incident.
The teen was on his way to school, and BPS Superintendent Dr. Williams Knight has issued the following statement:
"The entire Buffalo Public Schools community is sending love, thoughts, and support to one of our exceptional Buffalo Public Schools students who has been hospitalized after being struck by a garbage truck near Rhode Street and 14th Street. Later today, I will be in touch with the student's family."
Photo attached below of the scene as of 8:45 a.m.
