RTA Bus Collides with Cleveland Police Car

Dashcam footage shows the moment of impact as the bus driver says she couldn't stop in time.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the aftermath of a collision between emergency and public transit vehicles.The violent collision between a Cleveland police car and an RTA bus exposes the risks and challenges faced by emergency responders and public transit drivers when navigating icy urban intersections.Cleveland Today

Newly released video shows the moment a Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) bus collided with a Cleveland police cruiser that was responding to an emergency call. The crash occurred in January at the intersection of West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue, with the police car entering the intersection with lights and sirens activated while the bus driver said she was unable to stop due to icy road conditions.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by emergency responders and public transit operators when navigating busy urban intersections, especially in inclement weather. The investigation into determining fault and potential preventability of the crash is still ongoing.

The details

Dashcam footage from the police car shows the officers making their way through traffic with sirens blaring when the bus suddenly slams into the side of the cruiser. RTA video also captures the bus driver's horrified expression as she blows the horn and is unable to stop in time. A report states the police car had the right-of-way with its emergency lights and siren activated, while the bus driver said she tried to stop but slid on the icy street.

  • The collision occurred in January 2026 at the intersection of West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio.
  • Nearly three months after the incident, the investigation into determining fault is still ongoing.

The players

Cleveland Police Department

The local law enforcement agency whose patrol car was involved in the collision with the RTA bus.

Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA)

The public transportation agency that operates the bus that collided with the Cleveland police car.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Radio, we just got hit by an RTA bus,'”

— Cleveland Police Officer

“'I was crossing the intersection and I couldn't stop,'”

— RTA Bus Driver

“'His sirens were running. I had that building on the corner. I didn't even see him.'”

— RTA Bus Driver

What’s next

The investigation into the collision is in the final stages of review by the Cleveland Police Department's Traffic Safety Analysis Panel, which will then provide a recommendation to the Police Chief's office for a final determination on fault and any potential preventative measures.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for enhanced coordination, communication, and safety protocols between emergency responders and public transit operators, especially when navigating busy urban intersections in inclement weather conditions. The ongoing investigation aims to identify any lessons learned to help prevent similar collisions in the future.