A crash involving two buses at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan during Wednesday’s morning rush hour left at least 14 people injured, according to the FDNY.
What Happened?
Authorities say the incident occurred when one bus struck the rear of another while entering the terminal. FDNY Deputy Chief Jason Saffon told reporters that the crash required emergency crews to extricate one of the bus drivers, who suffered moderate injuries. “They had to use specialized equipment to free the patient,” Saffon said.
Access to the crash site proved challenging due to traffic congestion. “Initially, we had difficulty reaching the ramp because of the backup, but Port Authority police helped open an exit ramp so we could drive up the wrong way and bring ambulances in,” Saffon added.
Is the Port Authority Bus Terminal Open?
Following the crash, NJ Transit announced that all bus service to and from the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal has been diverted to Secaucus Junction, Newark Penn Station, and Hoboken Terminal. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), NJ Transit confirmed:
“New York Port Authority is closed due to a multi-bus accident.”
What’s the Current Impact?
The Lincoln Tunnel, which serves as a major connection between New York and New Jersey, is currently facing delays of up to 30 minutes due to the incident, according to the Port Authority’s website.
On weekdays, the Port Authority Bus Terminal handles more than 260,000 passenger trips, connecting commuters from New Jersey, the Lower Hudson Valley, and long-distance travelers heading to cities like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Investigation Ongoing
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Emergency personnel continue to assess the situation and monitor the condition of the injured passengers.
This marks the latest major incident at the Port Authority in recent years. In August 2020, 16 people were injured in a separate bus crash on a nearby ramp.
