BOSTON, Suffolk County, Mass., Oct. 1, 2026 — A woman died and two other people were hurt Thursday morning, October 1, after a car struck her while she sat on a bench outside Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain, then crashed into a nearby building.
The car hit the woman before continuing into the wall of the Belkin House building on the hospital campus, according to Boston police. She died while being treated for her injuries. The two occupants of the car were also injured and, along with the woman, were brought into Faulkner Hospital for treatment.
The collision happened at around 10:45 a.m. and struck a gas line in the building, officials said. Four Boston EMS personnel were evaluated for possible gas exposure. National Grid shut off gas service to the rest of the hospital as a precaution following the crash.
The Boston Police Department sent its homicide unit and fatal collision team to investigate, a standard response for crashes involving a death. Investigators have indicated the crash is not believed to have been intentional. The cause remains under investigation.
The Belkin House, which houses a dialysis clinic not affiliated with the hospital, is expected to stay closed through Friday, with patients redirected to other locations while repairs and safety checks continue.
We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk When Vehicles Strike Pedestrians Outdoors
People sitting or standing near building entrances, parking areas, and curbside benches often assume they're out of a vehicle's path, but a car that leaves the roadway or loses control can travel well beyond the edge of a lot or driveway. Those seated, especially older adults or people with limited mobility, often have little time to react compared to someone standing and able to move quickly.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian deaths accounted for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2023. Many of these cases involve pedestrians in locations presumed safe, such as sidewalks, parking lots, or areas adjacent to buildings.
Hospitals, clinics, and other public-facing buildings draw a steady flow of pedestrians who sit or wait near entrances for extended periods. That concentration of foot traffic near vehicle access points means any loss of vehicle control nearby carries added risk for bystanders who have no way to anticipate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are most common when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian?
Impacts often cause fractures, head and spinal injuries, and internal trauma. Severity depends heavily on vehicle speed and the point of impact.
What typically causes these crashes?
Common factors include driver error, medical emergencies behind the wheel, loss of vehicle control, and mechanical failure. Each case requires its own investigation to determine the cause.
Does speed affect survival chances for pedestrians?
Yes. Lower speeds give pedestrians a much better chance of survival, while higher-speed impacts sharply increase the risk of fatal injury.
Where do pedestrian crashes most often happen?
Many occur outside marked crosswalks, including sidewalks, parking lots, and areas near building entrances where pedestrians may not expect vehicle traffic.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Boston, MA
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crash should call 911 immediately so emergency responders and police can reach the scene quickly. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation is important, since some injuries, particularly head and internal trauma, aren't immediately obvious.
Witnesses should stay at the scene if it's safe to do so and share what they saw with responding officers. Boston police typically document these incidents thoroughly, including photos, measurements, and statements, which can take time to complete.
For anyone affected, whether injured, a bystander, or connected to someone involved, follow-up care and support services are available through local hospitals and city resources in the days after an incident like this.
