STONE MOUNTAIN, DeKalb County, Ga., Sept. 28, 2026 — A car reportedly rear-ended a MARTA bus stopped at a red light on Sunday afternoon, September 27, on Memorial Drive near George Luther Drive. No one suffered serious injuries, according to initial reports.
The car struck the back of the bus after the light turned red, based on early accounts of the crash. Passengers said they felt a sudden jolt during what had been an ordinary ride.
Elderly riders and children were on board at the time. Emergency medical crews checked passengers at the scene, and none required hospitalization for serious injuries.
It's not yet clear what led the car to strike the bus. MARTA and local police have not released additional details on how the crash happened, and the investigation appears to be ongoing.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
Why Bus Crashes Usually Happen Where Traffic Stops and Starts
Rear-end crashes involving buses tend to cluster at intersections and traffic signals, not on open stretches of road. Buses brake harder and more commonly than passenger cars because they stop for lights, stop signs, and scheduled pickups. Drivers following too closely, distracted for even a few seconds, or slow to react to a sudden stop can end up striking the rear of a bus before they realize it has slowed.
Intersections add another layer of risk. Vehicles converge from multiple directions, sightlines are usually blocked by other traffic, and drivers are processing signals, pedestrians, and turning vehicles all at once. A bus stopped at a red light is a large, stationary object, but the driver behind it still needs enough following distance and attention to stop safely.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, buses are excluded from the large-truck definition used in the agency's 2023 large-truck traffic-safety fact sheet. That distinction matters because bus crashes are tracked and analyzed separately from truck crashes, even though both involve large vehicles sharing the road with smaller passenger cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
A large share of crashes occur at or near intersections, where vehicles cross paths, turn, or stop suddenly for signals and other traffic.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Leaving extra following distance, staying off phones, and anticipating stops at intersections and near buses or transit stops all help avoid rear-end collisions.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Whiplash, bruising from seatbelts, and minor cuts are common in lower-speed impacts like rear-end crashes. Passengers on buses may also be jolted from their seats.
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Distraction, following too closely, and failing to stop in time for a red light or stopped vehicle are frequent factors in rear-end crashes.
What to Do After a Bus Accident in Stone Mountain, GA
If you're involved in or a passenger on a bus during a crash, check yourself and those around you for injuries before moving, and let emergency responders examine you even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask pain from whiplash or bruising that shows up hours later.
Get the names of responding agencies and ask how to obtain an official crash report once it's filed. If you're a passenger, note what you remember about the moments before the crash, since transit crashes usually involve multiple parties and insurers. Follow up with a doctor in the days after if any soreness, stiffness, or headaches develop.
