Authorities Investigate Possible Impairment in Niagara Gorge Crash

Officials are examining whether drugs or alcohol played a role in a crash that sent a pickup truck plunging into the Niagara Gorge. The Niagara County District Attorney’s Office Vehicular Crimes Bureau is now leading the investigation, which remains in its early stages.

According to New York State Park Police, officers discovered potential evidence of drug and alcohol use inside the wreckage of a 2008 Toyota Tundra, which came to rest near the Niagara River rapids after the crash. However, authorities have not yet confirmed whether impairment contributed to the incident.

The 42-year-old Niagara Falls man involved in the crash was first spotted by a passerby on an upper trail near the Aquarium of Niagara around 6:25pm Wednesday. The witness alerted law enforcement, reporting that the man appeared injured and disoriented.

When police arrived, the man admitted to driving through a fence and into the gorge nea the Whirlpool Bridge. He claimed to have survived the 150-foot descent, freed himself from the wreckage, and climbed back up the gorge before walking nearly a mile toward the aquarium.

Emergency responders treated the man for cuts and broken bones before transporting him to Erie County Medical Center.

Upon further investigation, officers found tire tracks and a damaged section of fencing at the crash site. The wrecked and mangled truck was located at the bottom of the gorge, stopped by trees and thick brush. If it were not for the vegetation, the truck would have descended into the lower Niagara River.

Authorities conducted an initial drone search of the area Wednesday night and confirmed that no other individuals were involved.

For safety reasons, the crash site has been closed off to the public while officials assess how to remove the vehicle from the gorge.

Authorities Investigate Possible Impairment in Niagara Gorge Crash