Private Ambulance Involved in Crash With MTA Bus on Belt Parkway Near Exit 15
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (October 23, 2026) – At least 11 people were injured in a Brooklyn MTA bus accident on the Belt Parkway near Exit 15.
New York City officials are saying that the accident occurred around 5:30 PM on Wednesday. An MTA bus was reportedly involved in a collision with a private ambulance.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the crash to help all of the victims. An estimated 11 people were injured and transported to various hospitals.
The MTA declined to provide additional details on what led up to the crash. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Brooklyn MTA Bus Accidents
New York law requires all drivers to use reasonable care to avoid collisions with other road users. Bus drivers are considered common carriers and are held to a heightened duty of care. They must operate with an abundance of caution to avoid collisions. Any collision involving an ambulance will be partially evaluated under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1104. Emergency drivers do have the authority to violate traffic regulations, but they must still use their lights and sirens and not act with a reckless disregard for the safety of the public. Courts will take into consideration numerous factors when evaluating liability for an accident involving an ambulance.
- Speed: Courts will consider the speed of all vehicles involved.
- Emergency Response: Courts will take into consideration whether an ambulance was responding to an actual emergency with its lights and sirens on.
- Crash Timeline: Courts will consider the events leading up to any crash.
- Distraction: Courts will review evidence that may indicate a driver was distracted.
When a driver fails to slow down to avoid a collision with another vehicle, this could be construed as negligence. Depending on the unique facts of any case, liability for a collision could extend to a municipal entity that owned or operated an emergency vehicle. Consider, for example, Kabir v. County of Monroe, 16 N.Y.3d 217 (2011). That case involved a police officer who rear-ended another vehicle after looking down at his onboard computer while traffic was slowing. Ultimately, the court held that ordinary negligence principles govern the outcome of the case.
Investigating MTA Bus Accidents
We at GLK Law extend our best wishes to the people injured in this Brooklyn MTA bus accident on the Belt Parkway. It is our sincere hope that all the victims will be able to make a recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the NYPD.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a New York City MTA bus accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of experienced bus accident attorneys is here to support you. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial assistance that they need to recover and move forward with their lives. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into the unique facts of any case, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
