19 People, Including 5 Firefighters, Injured After Fire Truck Collides with Bus in N.Y.C.

### Collision between MTA Bus and Fire Truck Injures 19 in the Bronx

A significant accident involving an MTA bus and a fire truck occurred in the Bronx, New York City, on Tuesday, August 18, at around 12:30 p.m. The collision took place at the intersection of Southern Boulevard and Barretto Street, prompting a rapid response from emergency services.

According to reports from CBS News and ABC7, the MTA bus was carrying multiple passengers at the time of the incident. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene where passengers seated at the front were thrown from their seats upon impact. Surveillance footage from the area illustrates both vehicles making attempts to avoid the collision moment before they crashed into one another.

In total, 19 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals to receive treatment for minor injuries. This group included five firefighters who were responding to a separate emergency when the incident occurred. The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) confirmed to PEOPLE that another three individuals at the scene opted to remain there after being assessed for injuries.

Witnesses reported seeing the MTA bus travelling along Southern Boulevard while the fire truck was navigating the intersection. There is conflicting information regarding which vehicle had the right of way, with some witnesses asserting that the bus had a green light at the time of the accident. The circumstances surrounding the crash are currently under investigation by the FDNY, who have yet to determine liability.

Jumari Lantigua, who witnessed the event, expressed shock at the force of the impact, stating, “The impact — it just crashed. The bus was full of people.” Remarkably, Lantigua reported that she was about to board the bus with her son but chose to walk instead, possibly avoiding personal injury.

In response to the incident, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson took to social media platform X to acknowledge the situation and advise the public to steer clear of the affected area. She wrote, “Our office has been made aware of 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.” She further expressed her hopes for the recovery of those injured and extended her gratitude to first responders and emergency personnel for their swift action.

Although the MTA has not yet provided a detailed statement regarding the incident, it is expected that further information will be made available as investigations continue. Eyewitness accounts and surveillance video footage are likely to play a pivotal role in clarifying the events that led to this unfortunate crash.

This incident highlights the challenges and dangers that can occur in busy urban environments where emergency vehicles and public transport operate in close proximity. The community’s thoughts remain centred on the injured individuals and their families as they recover from this alarming experience.

As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative that measures be reviewed to enhance safety for both passengers and emergency responders on the roads of New York City.