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Chicago, IL (February 15, 2026) – Three people were injured after a car collided with a Chicago Transit Authority bus on the city’s Near West Side late Saturday night, according to police.
The crash happened Saturday, February 14 at 9:19 p.m. at the intersection of Washington Blvd and Damen Ave. Police said a CTA bus was traveling south on Damen Ave when a white sedan, turning onto Damen Ave from Washington Blvd, allegedly ran a red light and struck the bus.
Following the initial impact, the bus continued forward and hit a nearby apartment building, causing minor structural damage. Authorities said a 32-year-old woman driving the sedan suffered injuries to her elbow and head. She was transported to Stroger Hospital of Cook County in good condition.
A 59-year-old man riding the bus and an 11-month-old girl who was inside the car also sustained minor injuries. Both were taken to the same hospital and listed in good condition. The driver of the sedan was issued a citation. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Key Details
- Location: Washington Blvd and Damen Ave, Near West Side
- Reported: February 14 at 9:19 p.m.
- Vehicles Involved: White sedan and CTA bus
- Injuries: Three people with minor injuries
- Hospital: Stroger Hospital of Cook County
- Damage: Minor damage to nearby apartment building
What We Know So Far
- Police said the sedan was turning onto Damen Ave when it allegedly ran a red light.
- The CTA bus was traveling southbound on Damen Ave at the time of the crash.
- After the collision, the bus struck an apartment building.
- The driver of the sedan received a citation.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- Whether additional citations or charges will be filed.
- The full extent of the property damage to the apartment building.
- Whether any bus passengers beyond the 59-year-old man were evaluated for injuries.
Local Context
The intersection of Washington Blvd and Damen Ave sits in Chicago’s Near West Side, a busy area that connects residential blocks with major corridors leading toward downtown and the Illinois Medical District. Damen Ave is a well-traveled north-south route, while Washington Blvd runs east-west through neighborhoods that see a mix of local traffic, public transit, and turning vehicles throughout the evening hours. Crashes at signalized intersections like this one can disrupt both vehicle flow and CTA bus service, especially when larger vehicles are involved and nearby buildings are affected.
What to Do Next
- If you were involved in a crash, move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 if medical attention is needed.
- Remain at the scene and cooperate fully with responding officers. Avoid discussing fault and provide clear, factual information.
- If it is safe, take photos of vehicle damage, traffic signals, and the surrounding intersection to help document what occurred.
- Monitor your health in the hours and days following a collision, as some injuries may not appear immediately.
FAQ
Q: What should drivers do when approaching an active crash scene?
A: Drivers should slow down, follow any directions from police or emergency personnel, and proceed cautiously through or around the area. Illinois law requires motorists to use care when approaching emergency vehicles.
Q: What are common causes of intersection crashes?
A: Intersection crashes often involve turning vehicles, failure to yield, or drivers not obeying traffic signals. Signal timing, visibility, and heavy cross traffic can also contribute to collisions.
Q: What happens when police arrive at a crash scene?
A: Officers secure the area, assess for injuries, gather statements from those involved, and document vehicle positions and roadway conditions before completing an official report.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
