Bus crashes into Washington DC restaurant, 3 injured

It's not the first time the same building has been hit by a bus, officials say.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:40pm

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A Metrobus crashed into a Washington, DC, restaurant on the morning of April 4, injuring three people. The bus was struck by another vehicle at the intersection, causing the bus driver to lose control and hit the building. Firefighters worked to remove the bus from the damaged restaurant, which had significant damage but no structural issues. This was not the first time the same building had been hit by a bus, according to a DC Fire and EMS spokesperson.

Why it matters

Bus crashes into buildings are relatively rare but can cause significant property damage and injuries. This incident raises questions about the safety of the intersection and whether there are any specific roadway issues that have led to multiple bus crashes at the same location over the years.

The details

The DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department responded to the crash at 7:13 a.m. at the intersection of 7th and Q streets NW in the Shaw neighborhood. Officials found a Metrobus lodged inside the Ambar Restaurant, located on the corner, and an SUV damaged in the street. Three women - the bus driver, a bus rider, and the SUV driver - suffered minor injuries and were transported to the hospital. Firefighters worked to break up concrete to remove the bus from the building, which had significant damage but no structural issues. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said the D4X bus was struck by the other vehicle at the intersection, causing the bus driver to lose control and hit the building.

  • The incident occurred on the morning of April 4, 2026 at 7:13 a.m.

The players

DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department

The local fire and emergency medical services department that responded to the crash scene.

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

The regional public transportation agency that operates the Metrobus involved in the crash.

Ambar Restaurant

The restaurant located at the corner of 7th and Q streets NW that was damaged when the Metrobus crashed into the building.

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What they’re saying

“It wasn't the first time he visited the same building for a bus hitting it. In the mid-1980s, a bus crashed at predawn into the building, which then was older and decrepit, said Maggiolo, who was taking pictures with the fire department at the time.”

— Vito Maggiolo, DC Fire and EMS spokesperson

What’s next

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for a thorough investigation into the safety of the intersection where the crash occurred, as well as potential infrastructure improvements to prevent future bus crashes into buildings in the area.