3 hospitalized after bus crashes through Washington, D.C. restaurant

Three women were taken to the hospital after a bus and vehicle collided in Washington, D.C., sending the bus crashing into a closed restaurant, according to first responders. 

It’s not clear what led to the collision. CBS affiliate WUSA reported that the bus, part of Washington, D.C.’s public transit system, hit the vehicle. The crash occurred around 7:20 a.m., WUSA said. 

The restaurant was closed when the bus crashed through its facade, the Washington D.C. Fire and EMS Department said on X. Photos show the front of the bus surrounded by debris. Another image shows a dark-car van with significant damage on the rear driver’s side.  

Four patients were evaluated, the department said on X, and three adult female patients were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Metro Transit Police said on X that the bus driver sustained minor injuries. A photo shows one person being wheeled towards an ambulance on a stretcher. 

WUSA reported that the restaurant, called Ambar, was empty at the time of the crash, but was set to open for brunch at 9:20 a.m. Ambar serves Balkan food and has two locations in Washington, D.C., one in Virginia, and one in Chicago, Illinois. The crash occurred at the 7th St. & Q St. NW location, according to the department. 

The Washington, D.C. Fire and EMS Department said crews are still working to get the bus out of the building. Once it is removed, the building’s structural integrity will be assessed. 

The crash is being investigated by the department and by police, WUSA reported.