BOSTON (NEXSTAR) — At least six people were injured after a box truck crashed into a building and then struck several pedestrians, according to Boston police and emergency services.
The Boston Fire Department, on social media, said the Penske truck struck multiple poles and was wedged between a pole and the building. Firefighters extracted the trapped driver from the cab of the truck.
Boston EMS initially said four people were taken to the hospital, including two in critical condition, and two others were treated at the scene. The driver and one pedestrian were in critical condition early on, but several hours later the driver’s condition had improved. Two others declined medical treatment at the scene.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox and others noted that the outcome could have been far worse given the location.
“This is such a busy part of the city, right on the middle of the day, people going back and forth on their way to get lunch and support our small businesses,” Mayor Michelle Wu said. “And so it’s quite shocking to see the scene as it stands right now.”
Photos shared by Boston Fire showed the truck on its side and without its windshield. In another, police tape could be seen blocking access to several storefronts in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood.
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A Penske truck can bee seen on its side in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood. Authorities say the truck struck a building before hitting pedestrians on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Boston Fire) -
A Penske truck can bee seen on its side in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood. Authorities say the truck struck a building before hitting pedestrians on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Boston Fire) -
A Penske truck can bee seen on its side in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood. Authorities say the truck struck a building before hitting pedestrians on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Boston Fire)
In a statement, Penske spokesman Randolph Ryerson said it was “aware of the incident” and was monitoring it closely.
“Penske will be cooperating fully with authorities to support their investigation,” Ryerson said. “Our thoughts are with those who have been injured in this unfortunate incident. Based on our records, the truck involved was out on rent to a commercial trucking company. We have no other information at this time.”
Police did not provide the driver’s name or the circumstances that led to the accident. Local outlets have reported that officials are investigating whether the driver experienced a medical emergency before the crash.
In a video posted to social media, which you can watch at the top of this story, emergency personnel can be seen caring for multiple people lying in the street and on the sidewalk. Debris is also seen scattered along the curb area.
Someone who claimed to have witnessed the crash said the truck appeared to have “clipped” a pedestrian crossing signal, lost control, and collided with a business. The video showed an apparent light post or traffic light had been taken out. The truck could be seen in the distance, on its side.
While authorities said they do not believe the crash was suspicious or intentional, local station WFXT reported that homicide and fatal accident detectives were on scene helping with the investigation.
“This is a very active scene and does not have a total number of victims yet,” police said in a statement.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.