BUFFALO, N.Y. — A dramatic scene unfolded in Buffalo as a pickup truck was swallowed by a large pothole, the incident captured on video and shared widely on social media.
The video, posted by South Elmwood Detail, shows the moment the truck’s tire plunged into the gaping hole at the intersection of Elmwood Avenue and West Tupper Street. The pothole appears to have opened up just moments before the vehicle encountered it.
2 On Your Side visited the site early Friday morning, observing that the area had been cordoned off with cones and a wooden barrier.
The City of Buffalo Public Works Department issued a statement Friday afternoon regarding the incident:
“Although the cause is unknown at this time, the Buffalo Sewer Authority will be leading the investigation to determine the source of the collapsed area at the intersection of Tupper and Elmwood. A void under the surface of the roadway has occurred and the BSA is mobilizing resources and contractors to identify the root cause of the issue.”
This event comes as the city is already focused on addressing deteriorating road conditions. Earlier this month, Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon announced an expanded pothole repair initiative and a $17 million investment in citywide road repaving for 2025.
“This winter’s freeze-thaw cycles have severely impacted our roads, and I know how frustrating it has been for residents,” Scanlon said at the time. “The pothole issue extends beyond the City of Buffalo and is a challenge throughout Erie County, affecting drivers, businesses, and daily commutes. That’s why we are taking a proactive approach — deploying additional resources and expanding repair efforts.”
Scanlon and Department of Public Works Commissioner Nate Marton detailed the city’s strategic plan, which aims to accelerate pothole repairs while minimizing the financial impact on taxpayers. Details of the plan include:
- More than three dozen trucks and crews will be deployed every weekend in March to expedite pothole repairs across the city.
- Outside contractors will supplement city crews to provide additional manpower and resources for a more efficient response.
- Weekday repair operations will continue, with extra contractor support concentrated on weekends when schools are not in session to maximize resources and minimize disruptions.
- High-complaint areas will receive priority, with the city collaborating closely with the Division of Citizen Services and the 311 Department to address the most severe potholes.
Residents encountering potholes in Buffalo are encouraged to report them to 311.
