Philadelphia, PA — December 20, 2024, a child was injured in a bus accident at about 9 a.m. at the intersection of Market Street and 6th Street.

Authorities said a NJ Transit bus hit the boy near the Independence Visitor Center as it was beginning its run to Asbury Park, NJ. The route had originated at 6th and Race Street.

The boy suffered a broken foot in the crash, according to authorities. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The bus driver was not injured, authorities said. There were not any passengers on the bus at the time of the crash.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary

When I hear about a crash involving a bus and a pedestrian, like this one, my first reaction is to examine what conditions led to the bus striking the child. Accidents involving buses in busy urban areas often raise questions about visibility, driver attentiveness and pedestrian activity.

A key question here is whether the bus driver saw the child and had sufficient time to react. Buses have significant blind spots, particularly near the front and sides, and younger pedestrians may be less visible due to their height. Investigators should review whether the driver was paying full attention to the road and whether any obstructions, such as parked vehicles or signage, may have contributed to reduced visibility.

The environment near the Independence Visitor Center also warrants close examination. Popular tourist areas like this often see high pedestrian activity, and conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians can occur if the space is not well-designed or managed. Was the intersection equipped with crosswalks, pedestrian signals or other safety features? If such measures were present, were they functioning correctly at the time of the crash?

It’s also worth considering whether the boy was crossing in a marked area or if he entered the road unexpectedly. While pedestrians are expected to use designated crossings, drivers — especially those operating commercial vehicles like buses — are held to a higher standard of care to ensure the safety of those on foot.

The role of NJ Transit in training its drivers is another area of potential scrutiny. Transit agencies are responsible for ensuring their operators are well-prepared to handle complex and crowded urban environments. Investigators should evaluate whether the driver followed all protocols and whether NJ Transit’s training and oversight practices are sufficient.

Crashes like this one highlight the importance of understanding how vehicles and pedestrians interact in busy city settings. A thorough investigation will need to consider driver behavior, pedestrian actions and the design of the intersection to determine what led to this incident and how similar crashes might be prevented in the future.