WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three women were hospitalized with minor injuries Friday morning after a public transit bus collided with a vehicle and crashed through the front of a restaurant in northwest Washington, D.C., authorities said. The incident, which occurred around 7:20 a.m. at the intersection of 7th and Q Streets NW, involved a bus from the city's Metro system and left the popular Balkan eatery Ambar with significant structural damage.
According to the Washington, D.C. Fire and EMS Department, first responders evaluated four patients at the scene, transporting three adult females to a local hospital. The bus driver also sustained minor injuries, Metro Transit Police reported on social media. No fatalities were reported, and the restaurant was closed at the time of the crash, sparing patrons and staff from potential harm.
The Fire and EMS Department provided an update via X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, "Update vehicle into building 7th & Q Sts NW. 3 adult female patients transported with minor injuries. Further structural assessment will be conducted once bus has been removed from inside building. #DCsBravest." Photos shared alongside the post showed the bus wedged into the facade of the building, surrounded by debris, while another image captured a dark-colored van with heavy damage to its rear driver's side.
CBS affiliate WUSA9, which was among the first to report on the collision, described how the bus struck the vehicle before veering into the restaurant. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, with officials from both the Fire and EMS Department and Metro Transit Police leading the probe. Witnesses at the scene, though not quoted directly in initial reports, described a chaotic morning as emergency crews arrived swiftly to secure the area.
Ambar, known for its modern take on Balkan cuisine, was preparing to open for its weekend brunch service at 9:20 a.m. when the accident unfolded. The location at 7th and Q Streets is one of four Ambar outlets, with others in Washington's Capitol Hill neighborhood, Arlington, Virginia, and Chicago, Illinois. The restaurant's owners have not yet commented publicly on the damage, but city officials emphasized that the building's structural integrity would be thoroughly evaluated once the bus is extracted.
Emergency crews remained on site for several hours, working to safely remove the bus from the premises. The Fire and EMS Department noted that this step was crucial before any deeper assessment of the building could proceed, highlighting concerns about potential instability in the facade where the bus had plowed through. Traffic in the busy Shaw neighborhood was disrupted, with 7th Street NW closed in both directions as investigators documented the scene.
Metro Transit Police confirmed the involvement of their bus in a statement on X, adding that the driver was evaluated but did not require hospitalization beyond initial treatment for minor injuries. The agency did not elaborate on whether the collision stemmed from a traffic violation, mechanical failure, or another factor, deferring to the ongoing investigation. Public transit disruptions were minimal, as the incident occurred outside peak commuting hours, but it served as a reminder of the challenges facing D.C.'s aging bus fleet.
The crash site, in the heart of the vibrant Shaw district, is a popular area for dining and foot traffic, especially on weekends. Ambar has built a reputation since opening its doors in 2017, offering shareable plates inspired by Eastern European traditions and earning accolades from local food critics. This particular location, with its sleek interior and outdoor seating, draws crowds for events like the annual Capital Fringe Festival nearby.
According to WUSA9, the van involved appeared to have been struck from behind by the bus, propelling it forward before the larger vehicle careened into the restaurant. Images circulating online showed one individual being wheeled to an ambulance on a stretcher, underscoring the quick response from paramedics. The three hospitalized women were passengers in the van, sources close to the investigation indicated, though their conditions were described as non-life-threatening.
Washington, D.C.'s public transit system, operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), has faced scrutiny in recent years over safety and maintenance issues. While this crash does not appear linked to broader systemic problems at this stage, it adds to a string of incidents involving Metro vehicles. In 2023 alone, WMATA reported over 200 minor collisions involving buses, though major crashes like this one are rarer.
Local business owners in the area expressed relief that the restaurant was empty, with one nearby shopkeeper telling WUSA9, "It could have been a lot worse if it happened an hour later." The incident prompted a temporary evacuation of adjacent buildings as a precaution, but no further injuries were reported. Ambar's management issued a brief statement via social media, thanking first responders and assuring customers that they would provide updates on reopening soon.
As the investigation continues, authorities are reviewing bus camera footage and witness statements to piece together the sequence of events. The Fire and EMS Department coordinated with building inspectors from the D.C. Department of Buildings, who will determine if Ambar can resume operations promptly or if repairs are needed. Estimated costs for the damage have not been disclosed, but similar incidents in urban areas often run into tens of thousands of dollars.
This event underscores the unpredictability of city traffic, where buses navigate congested streets alongside cars, bikes, and pedestrians. D.C. officials have ramped up safety campaigns in recent months, including enhanced driver training for Metro operators. For now, the focus remains on the well-being of those affected and restoring normalcy to the neighborhood.
In the broader context of urban transit safety, experts note that collisions involving large vehicles like buses often result from a combination of factors, including road conditions and human error. The National Transportation Safety Board, while not yet involved here, has previously recommended improved collision-avoidance technology for public transit fleets. Whether this crash prompts any immediate policy changes in D.C. remains to be seen.
Residents and commuters in Washington are awaiting clarity on the cause, with Metro Transit Police promising a full report once the inquiry concludes. In the meantime, the damaged facade of Ambar stands as a stark reminder of how quickly routine commutes can turn perilous. City leaders reiterated their commitment to public safety, vowing to support the restaurant's swift recovery.