BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — A school bus crashed into a Crown Heights apartment building Thursday morning, damaging the entrance and forcing residents from seven apartments to find somewhere else to stay.
The crash happened shortly after 7:20 a.m. at 869 Eastern Parkway, near Albany Avenue.
Bus Jumped Curb and Hit Building
Surveillance video showed the school bus leaving the roadway, striking a tree, and crashing into the four-story building.
Police said the 65-year-old bus driver was traveling west on Eastern Parkway when the bus jumped the curb and hit the building.
No children or other passengers were on board at the time.
Residents Heard Loud Impact
The impact was heard throughout the building.
“I was by the window. I hear, ‘Boom,’” said Agatha Baptiste, who has lived in the building for 64 years. “I looked out by the window. I see a bus by the gate.”
Another tenant, identified as Gia, said residents were given only a short time to collect their belongings.
“They gave us 10 minutes to pack some stuff,” she said. “We have to go pack and find somewhere else to stay for the night.”
Red Cross Helping Displaced Residents
According to the Department of Buildings, the American Red Cross registered 20 adults and six children for emergency relocation assistance.
The Department of Buildings also ordered the building’s owner to install a tight-board fence around the damaged area to protect the public.
No Charges Filed
Police confirmed the bus driver was not under arrest.
No charges had been filed as of the latest update.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
