17 vehicles were involved in multiple crashes on Route 590

At least 17 vehicles were involved in multiple crashes on Route 590 Tuesday night.

Chief Tim Shone of the Laurelton Fire Department said the vehicles crashed along the highway just after 10 p.m. Eleven of the vehicles were in the northbound lane and six were in the southbound lane, he said.

No serious injures were reported, but several people were taken to area hospitals and were treated for minor injuries, according to New York State Police. Trooper Mark O'Donnell said State Police handled a majority of the crashes but were assisted at the scene by Irondequoit Police.

Emergency responders closed the northbound lanes of Route 590, just north of Empire Boulevard in Irondequoit, for nearly two hours following the first set of crashes, troopers said.

The lane closures expanded to Browncroft Boulevard, after several vehicles crashed in the southbound lanes, according to fire officials.

Tuesday's burst of wintry weather — and some black ice on highway bridges — led to the crashes, O'Donnell said.

"We knew this weather was coming," O'Donnell said. "We need to remind people that if roads are snow-covered or wet or if temperatures are around freezing, there's a possibility of black ice. People need to remember to reduce their speeds."

Driver Tapan Shah, 44, of Rochester was driving north on Route 590, with two passengers, when he suddenly lost control of his vehicle.

"I think I did a 180 (degree turn)," he said. "I think I remember three to four cars already — like two cars here and one off to the side."

He said he also saw an occupied car land on top of an unoccupied car across the road from him; and a large truck that had jackknifed. "He wasn't straight. His trailer was going in one direction and his cab was going in another. But, his momentum, I guess, carried him through."

Troopers continue to investigate the crash.