Brooklyn Accident
Bus crashes into Burger King after driver suffers medical emergency
Brooklyn, NY – In the early hours of Thursday morning, a Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus crashed into a closed Burger King in the Kensington neighborhood of Brooklyn, leaving the driver seriously injured. The incident occurred after the driver, a man in his 50s, suffered a medical emergency, believed to be cardiac arrest.
The crash took place just after midnight when the B35 bus, traveling along Fort Hamilton Parkway, veered off course and plowed through the front windows of the Burger King. Surveillance footage captured the dramatic moment as the bus made an erratic left turn, ran a red light, and then headed directly into the fast-food restaurant. The driver, whose name has not been released, lost control of the vehicle as he experienced the medical episode.
Valerie Turner, a passenger on the bus, recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the crash. "The bus started speeding up quick; you have to think quick on your feet and before I knew it … we were in the Burger King," Turner said. She and another passenger were on their way home from work when they noticed the bus behaving erratically. Turner, a medical worker, quickly sprang into action. "Once we hit Burger King, I got out of my seat and I immediately went to him to try to help him out," she said. Turner performed CPR on the driver before he started to lose consciousness. Her swift actions were crucial in stabilizing the driver until emergency services arrived.
Police and emergency medical services were promptly on the scene. The driver was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but was later upgraded to stable condition. Two passengers on the bus refused medical attention at the scene, according to police reports.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is investigating the incident, but initial reports suggest that the crash was a result of the driver's medical emergency. "At this time, police say they do not suspect criminality and are looking into whether the crash was a result of a medical episode," a police spokesperson said.
Structural engineers and construction crews are expected to survey the site on Thursday afternoon to assess the damage and ensure the building's stability. The owner of the Burger King estimates that the crash caused thousands of dollars worth of damage but expressed relief that no lives were lost.
The community has reacted with a mix of shock and relief. Local residents who frequent the Burger King were surprised to see the extent of the damage. "It's a miracle no one was seriously hurt inside the restaurant," said one local resident. The Burger King was closed at the time of the crash, which likely prevented further injuries.
The MTA has issued a statement expressing concern for the driver and gratitude for the quick response from emergency services and passengers like Turner. "We are thankful for the heroic actions of our passengers and the swift response from emergency personnel. Our thoughts are with our driver and his family during this difficult time," the statement read.
As the investigation continues, the focus will remain on the driver's health and the structural integrity of the Burger King building. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of medical emergencies and the importance of quick thinking and action in such situations.
For now, the community of Kensington will rally around the affected individuals and await further updates on the driver's recovery and the reopening of the local Burger King.