A charter bus crash early Monday morning on Route 1A in East Boston caused significant disruptions, including extensive road closures and traffic jams, especially for those trying to access Boston Logan International Airport. The accident, which unfolded around 5:39 AM near 175 McClellan Highway, forced the closure of both sides of the roadway, leading to stressful travel conditions.
Witnesses reported seeing the Academy bus drift onto the sidewalk before hitting a utility pole, which fell across both the northbound and southbound lanes, creating hazardous conditions. According to the Boston Police Department, two people sustained minor injuries as the bus collided with another vehicle during the chaotic incident. Emergency services were on the scene swiftly to manage the fallout, as multiple light poles and transformers were downed.
Jacquelyn Goddard from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation issued warnings via local news reports such as NBC Boston, urging travelers to anticipate delays due to detours being implemented. Southbound traffic is currently being redirected at Boardman Street, with northbound traffic being diverted at Addison Street. Commuters are encouraged to seek alternative routes to avoid the area.
“McClellan Highway in East Boston has been shut down in both directions. Traffic is being diverted... Please seek an alternate route,” Boston police warned on social media, emphasizing the impact on surrounding neighborhoods including Revere and Chelsea.
Despite the crash's severity, police confirmed there were no immediate reports of serious injuries among the passengers, which included 19 people, all of whom were taken to safety. Fast action by Eversource was required to handle the mess of live electric lines strewn across the highway, indicating the accident's broader effects on the infrastructure.
Following the incident, the northbound lanes of Route 1A were cleared for traffic around 1:30 PM, but authorities indicated the southbound lanes would remain closed through the subsequent morning rush. Travelers heading to Logan were advised to build extra time expectations as significant backups lingered due to the detour measures.
Another statement from Academy Express LLC reiterated their cooperation with state police and local law enforcement during the investigation. “Academy Express is working with state police and the BPD as they conduct an investigation...,” the company reported, ensuring the affected passengers received the necessary support.
Motorists were advised to stay informed by checking real-time updates from local news outlets and traffic advisories released by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The situation is being closely monitored as efforts continue to restore normal traffic flow and complete any necessary repairs.
While the immediate chaos caused by the accident began to subside, the reminders of the morning’s events serve as another alert for all drivers about the importance of safe driving practices, particularly on thoroughfares with the potential for such accidents. With the investigation still underway, the East Boston community watches closely, hoping for swift resolutions to both the physical and logistical aftermath.