BOSTON — A dramatic crash unfolded in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon when a yellow rental box truck veered out of control near the intersection of Kneeland Street and Harrison Avenue, just blocks from Downtown Boston. The incident, reported at approximately 12:45 p.m., left six people injured and prompted a swift response from emergency services.
According to authorities, the truck struck multiple utility poles before slamming into a building, striking several pedestrians in the process. The vehicle ultimately overturned, coming to rest on its side amidst scattered debris. Boston Fire Department crews worked quickly to extricate the driver, who was trapped inside the cab, using specialized tools to free them from the wreckage.
Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) confirmed that four of the injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment, while two others sustained injuries but declined further medical attention at the scene. The conditions of those hospitalized remain unclear, though early reports suggest a range of injuries, with at least two described as critical.
Boston Police have cordoned off the area, closing Kneeland Street between Tyler and Washington streets, as well as portions of Harrison Avenue, to facilitate their investigation. Heavy traffic delays have been reported, and officials are urging drivers to avoid the vicinity as the scene remains active.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with authorities yet to determine whether it was the result of driver error, a medical emergency, or another factor. A Boston Police spokesperson described the situation as “very active,” noting that the total number of victims and the full scope of the incident are still being assessed. Homicide and fatal accident teams have joined the effort, though officials have not indicated any suspicion of intentional wrongdoing at this stage.
Eyewitness accounts and images from the scene depict a chaotic aftermath, with the overturned truck wedged between a pole and the damaged building, its windshield shattered and debris littering the street. The impacted structure, identified as a commercial property, sustained visible damage, including to a ramen restaurant on the corner.
Penske, the rental company associated with the truck, issued a statement acknowledging the incident and pledging full cooperation with law enforcement. “Our thoughts are with those who have been injured in this unfortunate incident,” the company said, adding that the vehicle was rented to a commercial trucking entity at the time of the crash.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the sequence of events that led to this midday disruption in one of Boston’s busiest neighborhoods. Updates are expected as more information becomes available.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further details as they emerge.
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