Houston, January 4, 2026
A METRO bus in Houston veered off the Highway 288 overpass after being struck by another vehicle, causing significant traffic disruptions and injuries. Fourteen people were hospitalized, including one passenger and the driver of the other vehicle in critical condition. Emergency responders worked for nearly an hour to extricate the injured passenger. The incident triggered severe traffic delays in the area as investigators began looking into the crash’s cause.
Houston
A Houston METRO bus veered off a Highway 288 overpass near Midtown on Saturday, January 3, 2026, after being struck from behind by another vehicle, leading to significant injuries and traffic disruptions. The incident, which occurred shortly after 2:30 p.m., resulted in 14 people being hospitalized, including one critically injured passenger from the bus and the critically injured driver of the striking vehicle.
Crash Details and Injuries
The crash involved a Route 54 METRO bus that was traveling on McGowen Street on the overpass for State Highway 288. Preliminary information indicates that a vehicle struck the bus from behind, causing it to roll over and fall onto a steep embankment alongside the highway.
Emergency responders worked for approximately 45 minutes to extricate one passenger who was critically injured and trapped inside the bus wreckage, requiring the use of specialized cutting tools. While this individual and the driver of the other vehicle sustained critical injuries, most other individuals transported to hospitals experienced minor to moderate injuries, such as lacerations and potential broken bones. The bus operator reportedly did not sustain injuries.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
Approximately 30 fire department personnel and six ambulances were dispatched to the scene to assist those affected by the crash. All 14 people aboard the bus, including 13 passengers and the driver, were successfully rescued.
The incident caused severe traffic snarls along Highway 288 and surrounding east Downtown Houston side streets as emergency crews managed the scene. Wreckers were brought in to lift the METRO bus from the embankment, and the Texas Department of Transportation planned to modify the embankment to facilitate its removal.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the precise cause of the crash.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened?
- A Houston METRO bus fell off a Highway 288 overpass near Midtown after a crash with another vehicle.
- When did the crash occur?
- The crash happened on Saturday, January 3, 2026, shortly after 2:30 p.m.
- Where did the crash happen?
- The incident took place on the Highway 288 overpass near Midtown, specifically on McGowen Street over State Highway 288.
- How many people were injured?
- 14 people were sent to the hospital following the crash.
- What was the extent of the injuries?
- One passenger on the bus and the driver of the other vehicle sustained critical injuries, while most other injuries were minor to moderate.
- What caused the bus to leave the overpass?
- A vehicle struck the Route 54 METRO bus from behind, causing the bus to roll over and veer off the bridge onto an embankment.
- What was the emergency response like?
- Approximately 30 fire department personnel and six ambulances responded, and firefighters spent about 45 minutes extricating one critically injured passenger.
- Is the cause of the crash known?
- The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
- What was the impact on traffic?
- The accident caused severe traffic snarls along Highway 288 and some east Downtown Houston side streets.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Houston METRO bus fell off Highway 288 overpass near Midtown after crash |
| Date | Saturday, January 3, 2026 |
| Time | Shortly after 2:30 p.m. |
| Location | Highway 288 overpass near Midtown, on McGowen Street over State Highway 288 |
| Vehicles Involved | Houston METRO Route 54 bus and another vehicle |
| Total Injured | 14 people hospitalized |
| Critical Injuries | One bus passenger and the driver of the striking vehicle |
| Emergency Response | Approximately 30 fire department personnel and six ambulances responded; one passenger extricated in about 45 minutes |
| Traffic Impact | Severe traffic snarls along Highway 288 and east Downtown Houston side streets |
| Current Status | Investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing |
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