Boston, MA (April 1, 2025) – A Penske rental truck veered off the roadway in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood Tuesday afternoon, striking pedestrians and infrastructure before coming to rest on its side. Four people were hospitalized, one of them critically, according to officials.
Incident Details: The crash occurred at approximately 12:48 p.m. near the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Kneeland Street. Authorities say the yellow Penske box truck struck multiple poles and a group of pedestrians before hitting a building. Four individuals were taken to the hospital, while two others were evaluated at the scene but declined treatment. Firefighters had to extricate the truck driver, who was initially reported in critical condition but was later upgraded.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Boston Police are investigating the incident as an apparent accident. Law enforcement officials are examining whether the driver suffered a medical emergency at the time of the crash, as he is believed to have had a pre-existing medical condition. The truck was rented by a commercial trucking company, and Penske has pledged full cooperation with the investigation. If negligence or improper medical clearance played a role, injured victims may consider pursuing personal injury claims against the driver, their employer, or the rental company depending on the outcome.
Source: NBC Boston