Driver dies after rear-ending CTA bus in Chicago

The crash occurred early Wednesday morning on the Lower West Side

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 32-year-old driver died after rear-ending a CTA bus that was stopped at a red light in Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhood around 4:25 a.m. on Wednesday. The bus was carrying five passengers at the time, but there were no other reported injuries.

Why it matters

Fatal traffic accidents involving public transportation vehicles are rare but concerning incidents that can impact community trust and raise questions about road safety, especially in urban areas with high volumes of vehicles and pedestrians.

The details

According to police, the driver of a silver SUV struck the back of the CTA bus, which was stopped at a red light near the 2300 block of South Blue Island Avenue. The SUV driver was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The five passengers on the bus were unharmed.

  • The incident occurred around 4:25 a.m. on Wednesday, February 8, 2026.

The players

CTA

The Chicago Transit Authority, the operator of public transportation services in the city of Chicago.

Stroger Hospital

A public hospital in Chicago that provides emergency and trauma care services.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the importance of road safety and awareness, especially for drivers sharing the road with public transportation vehicles. While rare, such accidents can have devastating consequences and underscore the need for continued efforts to improve traffic safety in urban areas.