Nineteen people, including five firefighters, were taken to hospitals after an MTA bus and an FDNY fire truck collided in the Bronx on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.
The crash occurred at approximately 12:32 p.m. on August 18 at the intersection of Southern Boulevard and Barretto Street in the Longwood section of the Bronx. The MTA’s articulated Bx19 bus was carrying more than a dozen passengers when it collided with the FDNY vehicle.
According to the FDNY, emergency medical crews transported 14 civilians and five firefighters to area hospitals. Their injuries were described as minor. Three additional civilians were evaluated at the scene but declined transportation to a hospital.
Surveillance footage showed the bus traveling along Southern Boulevard as the fire truck entered the intersection from Barretto Street. Images from the aftermath showed damage to the front windshield of the MTA bus.
Witnesses described a powerful impact that caused some passengers to fall from their seats. One witness told local media that the fire truck appeared to enter the intersection at high speed and claimed its emergency lights and siren were not operating. Authorities have not independently confirmed that account.
Officials have not determined which vehicle had the right of way or who was responsible for the collision. The FDNY said the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson expressed concern for those injured and said she was praying for the passengers and others receiving medical treatment following the collision.
