Rochester, NY (October 30, 2025) – A man was found dead after a vehicle burst into flames inside the Rochester General Hospital parking garage on Wednesday morning, according to the Rochester Police Department.
Authorities say the crash occurred around 11:15 a.m. on 29th October, 2025, on the second floor of the Portland Avenue parking garage, when a vehicle struck several parked cars before catching fire. Captain Greg Bello of the RPD said investigators believe the car hit around ten parked vehicles before coming to a stop and igniting.
Emergency crews, including 24 firefighters from the Rochester Fire Department, responded quickly to extinguish the flames. The northeast corner of the garage was quarantined during the investigation. Lt. Jackeline Sierra noted that firefighters faced challenges due to the structure’s layout, requiring extended hose lines from both the street and stairwells to reach the burning vehicle.
The driver was found dead in the front seat, and officials are still working to confirm his identity and determine the cause of the crash. Witnesses inside the garage are being interviewed to piece together what happened in the moments leading up to the fire.
Hospital officials, including Tammy Snyder, President and COO of Rochester General Hospital, confirmed that operations were not disrupted. The parking structure underwent a structural assessment, which verified its integrity remained intact. The garage will reopen on Thursday, with certain sections remaining closed during cleanup efforts.
Investigating Fatal Vehicle Fires and Parking Structure Crashes
Fatal vehicle fires are complex incidents that may involve mechanical failure, driver distress, or structural hazards. When a crash occurs on private or hospital property, multiple parties, including property managers, maintenance contractors, and vehicle manufacturers, may bear partial responsibility, depending on contributing factors such as fire suppression failures or poor design.
In such cases, an experienced New York wrongful death attorney can assist families in conducting independent investigations, obtaining surveillance footage, and pursuing claims for negligence, product liability, or safety violations. These legal steps ensure that grieving families receive accountability and financial support for their loss.
How Can We Help
At Stanley Law, we help families across New York who have lost loved ones in tragic vehicle accidents or fires. Our New York vehicle accident lawyer works with expert investigators to uncover the truth and pursue justice on behalf of victims. If you have lost someone in a crash or fire-related incident, call us at 888-997-3889 today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options.
