Dozens Injured in Double-Decker Bus Collision in Manhattan
MANHATTAN, New York – A double-decker tour bus collided with an MTA bus in Manhattan on Thursday night, leaving dozens of people injured, according to officials.
The incident occurred at around 7 p.m. at the intersection of 1st Ave and E. 23rd Street. The FDNY reported that a Topview NYC double-decker tour bus crashed into an MTA bus. Authorities stated that the MTA X38 express bus had the right of way and was traveling through the intersection east on 23rd Street when the tour bus ran a red light heading north on 1st Avenue, resulting in a t-bone collision.
MTA Transit President Richard Davey commented on the incident, saying, “This tour bus behind us seems to have run a red light and t-boned our bus, hit it twice, it was going so fast I think.”
Both buses were fully occupied at the time of the crash, with the MTA bus being standing room only. Dozens of people sustained injuries, with some victims taken to the hospital and others treated at the scene. The FDNY expected the number of injuries to fluctuate, but stated that most of the victims suffered minor injuries such as cuts, bruises, and scrapes, without any life-threatening injuries reported.
FDNY Deputy Chief Kevin Murphy noted, “Any time you have two buses involved, you have a significant number of patients that likely need to be treated.”
Immediate response from firefighters was critical in this mass casualty incident. Cell phone video captured first responders evacuating passengers from the upper deck of the tour bus, with some individuals having to be rescued through the windows.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) promptly triaged the injured victims. The driver of the tour bus is expected to receive a summons, although there is no indication of criminality at this time. The incident remains active and ongoing.
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As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, authorities are evaluating the safety measures that need to be addressed to prevent similar accidents in the future.