HOUSTON – A METRO bus crashed off an overpass in Houston Saturday afternoon, sending more than a dozen people to area hospitals after what witnesses describe as a terrifying incident on McGowen Street.
The crash occurred around 2:30 p.m. when a Route 54 METRO bus was struck from behind by another vehicle while crossing the McGowen Street overpass above Highway 288, according to METRO police. The impact sent the bus plummeting down an embankment.
Thirteen passengers were transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation, while the driver of the other vehicle sustained critical injuries. First responders had to rescue the bus driver from the wreckage.
A witness waiting at a bus stop moments before the crash reported concerning behavior.
“Me and my daughter was actually sitting at the stop getting ready to get on this bus. And she was going really, really fast,” said Latafia Harris, who witnessed the incident.
Aerial view of crews working to clear a Houston METRO bus crash on Highway 288 overpass at McGowen on Jan. 3, 2026. (KPRC)
Harris expressed gratitude for the near miss, stating, “I’m just shook. I’m traumatized at the same time, but I’m thankful because they could have been us.”
METRO Police are currently investigating the cause of the crash. While most injuries are reported as minor, authorities continue to piece together the sequence of events that led to the accident.
KPRC 2 News is working to learn more details as the investigation continues.
METRO says the scene is cleared, as of Sunday morning.
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