An MTA bus crashed into a Bay Ridge apartment building early Tuesday morning after being struck by a speeding car, officials confirmed. The incident happened just after 1:30 a.m. at the intersection of Ridge Boulevard and Bay Ridge Avenue, shaking residents awake and leaving the building damaged but fortunately causing no life-threatening injuries.
How the Crash Happened
According to police, a 26-year-old man driving a Honda Accord southbound on Ridge Boulevard collided with a B64 MTA bus traveling west on Bay Ridge Avenue. The force of the impact pushed the bus off the road, up onto the curb, and into the side of an apartment building.
The driver of the Honda sustained minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he remains in stable condition. The bus driver was not hurt, and no passengers were on board at the time. Residents inside the building were startled but unharmed.
Damage to the Building
The apartment building suffered significant damage where the bus struck its exterior wall. Emergency crews quickly arrived to evaluate the structure, and inspectors were called to assess whether the building remains safe for occupancy. The bus itself sustained heavy front-end damage and was towed away later in the morning.
Driver’s History Raises Alarm
Officials revealed that the Honda driver had a troubling record of traffic violations, including numerous speed-camera and red-light tickets within the past year. This revelation has fueled growing concern about repeat offenders who continue to drive despite a history of reckless behavior.
Community leaders and traffic safety advocates say the crash could have been much worse if the bus had been full of passengers or if pedestrians had been nearby.
Renewed Push for Safer Roads
The Bay Ridge crash has revived calls for tougher measures against reckless drivers. Advocates are once again urging lawmakers to act on proposed legislation requiring the use of intelligent speed-assistance devices in vehicles belonging to drivers with multiple violations.
Supporters argue that such technology could prevent cars from exceeding posted limits, dramatically reducing the risk of high-speed collisions. Opponents say more discussion is needed before mandating these devices, but momentum is building after this latest near-disaster.
Community Concerns
Residents of Bay Ridge expressed frustration at the ongoing issue of dangerous driving in their neighborhood. Ridge Boulevard and nearby avenues have long been flagged as hotspots for speeding and risky maneuvers.
Some neighbors described Tuesday’s crash as a “wake-up call,” insisting that without stronger enforcement and real consequences, another, possibly deadlier, crash is only a matter of time.
What Happens Next
The NYPD continues its investigation to determine exactly how fast the Honda was traveling and whether other factors, such as distraction or impairment, contributed to the crash. Officials are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings to piece together a full timeline.
Meanwhile, the Department of Buildings is monitoring the apartment’s structural stability. While no residents were displaced immediately, temporary relocation may be required if inspectors deem repairs urgent.
Closing Thoughts
This Bay Ridge crash shows just how quickly reckless driving can put lives at risk. The fact that no one was killed is a stroke of luck. With calls for stronger laws and better enforcement growing louder, many New Yorkers are now asking: how many more close calls will it take before meaningful change arrives?