Boston box truck crash that left 6 injured was likely a ‘tragic accident,’ police say

By Holly Yan and Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN

(CNN) — A box truck crash on a busy downtown Boston avenue injured at least six people Tuesday and left the rental vehicle wedged sideways against a building in what the police commissioner called a “tragic accident.”

“We don’t have any reason to believe that this was an intentional act,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden, citing the preliminary investigation.

Four of the injured were taken to area hospitals, including one person in critical condition and three others who were stable Tuesday afternoon, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said. Two others refused medical treatment at the scene.

The driver of the truck was in critical condition but is now stable, the commissioner said.

The accident occurred around 12:48 p.m. Tuesday in Chinatown, police said. Boston Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services assisted people at the scene.

Images of the scene showed the bright yellow Penske truck flipped on its side and lodged between a pole and a storefront, its cab crumpled.

The truck was being rented to a commercial trucking company, Penske said in a statement.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the scene of destruction in such a busy area was “quite shocking.” Trauma support personnel will be in the neighborhood visiting residents and local businesses, she added.

“This easily could have been a far worse circumstance given the time of day and how many people tend to be in this area,” Hayden added. “So in many ways we’re fortunate, but we continue to keep those who are injured, particularly the person in critical condition, in our thoughts and prayers.”

Though the crash appears to be an accident, the district attorney’s office will investigate whether anyone should be held liable, Hayden said. Witnesses are encouraged to call the police department with any information.

Penske said it plans to cooperate with the investigation, adding, “Our thoughts are with those who have been injured in this unfortunate incident.”

The areas of Harrison Avenue and Kneeland Street between Tyler and Washington streets were closed Tuesday afternoon as police worked the scene. Traffic delays are expected in the area, Cox said, noting authorities are working to open the nearby streets as quickly as possible.

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNN’s Caroll Alvarado and Mark Morales contributed to this report.

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