Multiple pedestrians have been injured after a box truck struck them on Tuesday afternoon, according to Boston police, with BPD Commissioner Michael Cox calling it “more of a tragic accident than anything else.”
The truck, a yellow-colored Penske rental truck, struck multiple poles and flipped on its side before becoming wedged between a pole and a building, authorities said.
Firefighters used extrication tools to remove the trapped driver from the cab of the truck, a police spokesperson said. He is now in stable condition.
Boston EMS confirmed it took four people to local hospitals, and two others were evaluated at the scene.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin R. Hayden said during a news conference Tuesday afternoon that officials do not have any reason to believe the crash was an “intentional act.”
“We’ll do everything that we can to come to a full understanding of the facts of the investigation and make a determination as to whether or not there’s any liability here,” he said. “This easily could have been a far worse circumstance, given the time of day and how many people tend to be in this area at the time.
“In many ways, we’re fortunate, but we continue to keep those who are injured, and particularly the person in critical condition, in our thoughts and prayers.”
Two patients were taken by ALS (Advanced Life Support) ambulances and the other two patients were taken by BLS (Basic Life Support) ambulances, according to Boston EMS.
Tufts Medical Center told Fox News it received three patients from the crash.
One patient was in critical condition, one patient was in fair condition and one patient was in good condition, according to a Tufts spokesperson.
Police previously said at least two people were in critical condition.
Homicide and the fatal accident team responded.
Police said it was a very active scene, and they do not have a total number of victims yet.
Images from the scene showed the yellow truck on its side with a pole lodged in between the cab and the box of the truck. The truck’s windshield was smashed and debris, including shattered glass, was strewn across the street.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Penske said the truck involved was out on rent to a commercial trucking company, based on its records.
“Penske will be cooperating fully with authorities to support their investigation,” a Penske spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “Our thoughts are with those who have been injured in this unfortunate incident.”
Police cordoned off the area with yellow tape.
The incident took place at around 12:40 p.m. in Boston’s Chinatown district, on Harrison Avenue near Kneeland Street, which is about half a mile from Downtown Boston.
Harrison Ave. and Kneeland Street were closed between Tyler Street and Washington Street, police said.
City officials did not say what caused the truck to veer off the road, noting the cause is still under investigation.
