4 in Boston sent to hospitals after truck rolls on sidewalk during lunch rush in Chinatown

Lance Reynolds and Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald on Apr 1, 2025

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BOSTON — First responders in Boston rushed four people to local hospitals after a driver of a Penske rental truck drove onto a Chinatown sidewalk during lunchtime on Tuesday, according to authorities.

Two of the victims taken to the hospital suffered serious injuries, Boston EMS posted on social media. Emergency responders treated two other individuals at the scene, in the area of Kneeland Street and Harrison Avenue.

One victim remained in critical condition Tuesday afternoon while the three others at the hospital, including the driver, were in stable condition, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox told reporters at the scene.

Authorities blocked off Kneeland Street between Tyler and Washington streets as they investigated the crash.

“Our preliminary investigation seems to indicate this (was) more of a tragic incident than anything else,” Cox said. “However, it is still under investigation.”

“It is important for folks to know that this area might be impacted for traffic for some time,” he added, “but we will try to get it back to normal as soon as possible.”

Mayor Michelle Wu, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden and City Councilor Ed Flynn, whose district includes Chinatown, accompanied Cox at the scene as the truck remained on its side.

“This is such a busy part of the city,” Wu said, “right in the middle of the day, people going back and forth on their way to get lunch, to support our small businesses, carrying out their daily routines … so it is quite shocking to see the scene as it stands right now, just a scale of damage from what looks like an accident that occurred.”

The Boston Fire Department posted on social media around 1:40 p.m. that companies responded to the scene for a “truck that struck multiple poles and was wedged between a pole and the building.”

“Firefighters used extrication tools to remove the trapped driver from the cab of (the) truck,” the post states.

The crash happened about 12:48 p.m.

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.”

Wu noted that trauma teams will be reaching out in the neighborhood and urged anyone in need of support to reach out to the city.

Councilor Flynn said in a statement shared with the Herald: “We are thankful for the outstanding and professional response to this horrific crash from Chinatown residents and first responders, including Boston Police, Boston Fire, Boston Emergency Medical Services and our hospitals as well.”

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