7 Injured in Bus Accident on Lexington Street in Waltham, MA

Waltham, MA — January 17, 2025, seven people were injured in a bus accident at about 8:30 a.m. near the intersection of Lexington Street and Beaver Street.

Authorities said a school bus was driving north on Lexington Street when it collided with a van that was trying to turn left onto Beaver Street. The van rolled onto another vehicle that had been stopped at the traffic light on Beaver Street.

Six students from the Waltham Public Schools bus and the driver of the van were hospitalized with minor injuries, according to authorities.

There were 28 other students on the bus at the time of the crash, authorities said. Another bus transported them to their destination.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this time. The accident remains under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

This crash involving a school bus and a van raises important questions about what caused the vehicles to collide and how such incidents can be prevented. With seven people injured, including six students, understanding the circumstances is essential for ensuring accountability and improving safety.

A key issue is the actions of the van driver. Was the van turning left against oncoming traffic, and if so, did the driver misjudge the speed or distance of the school bus? Left turns are a common factor in intersection crashes, as they require precise timing and clear visibility. Investigators will need to assess whether the van driver had enough time and space to complete the turn safely.

The bus driver’s actions also warrant scrutiny. Was the bus traveling at an appropriate speed for the intersection, and was the driver fully attentive to the road? With 34 students onboard, the bus driver had a heightened duty of care to operate the vehicle cautiously. Evidence such as traffic camera footage or witness statements will be critical in understanding how the crash occurred.

The design and condition of the intersection itself are also relevant. Was the area equipped with traffic lights or other controls, and were they functioning properly? Poor visibility, confusing lane markings or other road design flaws can contribute to crashes, especially at busy intersections.

The involvement of a third vehicle, which was rolled onto by the van, highlights the potential for chain-reaction collisions in intersection crashes. This underscores the need for drivers to exercise caution, particularly in areas with heavy traffic or multiple lanes of travel.

While the injuries reported are minor, this crash serves as a reminder of the risks associated with school transportation and intersections. A thorough investigation will help clarify whether driver actions, road conditions or other factors played a role in the collision.