Bronx, New York — A busy South Bronx intersection became the scene of a major emergency Tuesday afternoon after an FDNY fire truck and an MTA bus collided, sending 19 people to area hospitals.
The crash happened shortly after 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 18 near Southern Boulevard and Barretto Street, according to reports from local news outlets.
The MTA bus was carrying more than a dozen passengers when the collision occurred. Witnesses described a forceful impact that caused passengers toward the front of the bus to fall from their seats.
19 People Taken to Hospitals
The New York City Fire Department confirmed that 19 people were transported to hospitals, including five firefighters who were involved in the crash. Fortunately, officials said all 19 people suffered minor injuries.
Emergency responders also evaluated three additional people at the scene. Those individuals declined transportation to a hospital.
The number of people injured prompted a significant emergency response around the intersection as crews worked to assess passengers, firefighters and others involved in the collision.
Surveillance Video Shows Moment of Collision
Surveillance footage obtained showed the bus traveling along Southern Boulevard while the fire truck entered the intersection.
Both vehicles appeared to attempt evasive maneuvers just before impact, but they were unable to avoid the collision. Another video clip showed the MTA bus with a badly damaged windshield, highlighting the force of the crash.
Witnesses told that the bus appeared to have a green light when the collision happened. However, officials have not determined which vehicle was responsible, and it remains unclear whether either driver violated a traffic signal.
The FDNY said the crash remains under investigation.
Witness Describes High-Impact Crash
Jumari Lantigua, who witnessed the collision, described the crash as extremely powerful.
“The impact — it just crashed. The impact was high. The bus was full, the bus was full of people,”
Lantigua said she had actually been preparing to board the bus with her son shortly before the crash. According to her account, her son suggested that they walk instead.
That decision meant the two were not on the bus when the collision occurred. The crash nevertheless left numerous passengers and firefighters injured and caused disruption around the busy Bronx intersection.
Officials Urge Drivers to Avoid Crash Area
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson confirmed the collision on X and urged residents to avoid the area.
“Our office has been made aware if this collision in Hunts Point in the South Bronx involving an FDNY fire truck and an MTA bus. Please avoid the area of Southern Boulevard and Barretto Street,” Gibson wrote.
The warning came as emergency crews responded to the scene and authorities began investigating what led to the crash.
Investigation Continues
While the available surveillance footage provides investigators with an important look at the moments leading up to the collision, authorities have not publicly assigned blame.
The fact that the bus was reportedly carrying numerous passengers and the fire truck was responding to an emergency could make determining the circumstances particularly important.
For now, officials have confirmed that 19 people were hospitalized with minor injuries, including five firefighters, while three others were treated at the scene and declined further transportation.
Authorities are expected to continue reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements and other evidence as they determine how the two vehicles ended up colliding in the South Bronx.
What do you think investigators should examine first to determine what caused this crash? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
