A Penske rental truck overturned in Boston's Chinatown neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon, causing chaos and injuries.
According to the Daily Mail, multiple pedestrians were struck when the vehicle crashed and overturned at Harrison and Kneeland Street around 12:45 PM, leaving two people in critical condition, including the driver.
Boston Emergency Medical Services responded swiftly to the scene, transporting four individuals to nearby hospitals. Two additional people who were injured declined hospital treatment after receiving medical attention at the crash site.
The Boston Fire Department faced a challenging rescue operation when they found the truck wedged between a utility pole and a building. Firefighters had to employ specialized extrication tools to free the trapped driver from the vehicle's cab.
The yellow Penske rental truck, which was being operated by a commercial trucking company at the time, left a trail of destruction in its wake. Before coming to rest on its side, the vehicle struck multiple poles and ultimately slammed into a building near Great Wall Kitchen Supplies store and Jiro's Sushi.
Boston Deputy Fire Chief Steven Shaffer expressed concern about the severity of the incident. He shared his thoughts with local news outlet WHDH: "It was a bad accident, and hopefully those two people make it."
The Boston Police Department has initiated a preliminary investigation into the crash. Early findings suggest the incident was accidental, though authorities continue to gather evidence and examine the circumstances leading to the collision.
The crash caused significant disruption to downtown traffic, prompting police to close Kneeland Street between Washington Street and Tyler Street. Officials advised commuters to seek alternative routes while emergency crews worked at the scene.
Penske Transportation Solutions, the truck rental company, confirmed their involvement through senior public relations manager Alen Beljin. The company pledged full cooperation with investigating authorities and expressed concern for those affected.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu addressed the incident's impact on the bustling commercial district. She said:
This is such a busy part of the city, right in the middle of the day, people going back and forth on their way to get lunch, support our small businesses, and carry out their daily routine. It is quite shocking to see the scene as it stands right now and just the scale of damage.
Local business owners and residents watched as emergency crews worked to secure the area and clear debris. The incident disrupted normal activities in the neighborhood, which is typically filled with lunch-hour crowds and shoppers.
The crash scene drew multiple emergency response units, including police cruisers, fire trucks, and ambulances. Officials established a secure perimeter with police tape while investigators documented the scene.
The truck crash in Boston's Chinatown left two people fighting for their lives and sent four others to local hospitals on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred when a Penske rental truck, operated by an unidentified commercial trucking company, struck multiple pedestrians before overturning at Harrison and Kneeland Street. As investigators work to determine the exact cause of the crash, emergency crews continue monitoring the conditions of those critically injured while managing the disruption to downtown Boston traffic.
