Transport Van Crash in Brooklyn Injures 13, Including Adults with Special Needs

BATH BEACH, Brooklyn (WABC) – A terrifying crash in Bath Beach on Tuesday morning involved a transport van carrying 13 people, including adults with special needs, and a chaperone. The van, operated by D & J Ambulette Services, collided with a tree on Cropsey Avenue just before 10 a.m., causing significant damage and splitting the tree in two.

According to authorities, the 44-year-old driver swerved to avoid another vehicle, but lost control, crashing into the tree while en route to an adult daycare center. Fortunately, all 14 people in the minivan, including the driver, sustained only minor injuries. One passenger had a leg injury, and another sustained a cut to the head.

The passengers, 12 adults with special needs and a chaperone, were quickly transported to NYU Langone Hospital for evaluation, but no one’s injuries were deemed life-threatening. Eyewitnesses report that the driver declined medical attention at the scene.

Neighbors in the area expressed relief that the situation wasn’t worse. “It’s sad because they definitely need a lot of attention more than anyone else,” said local resident Matthew Fischioni. “I hope that they’re all OK at the end of the day.”

D & J Ambulette Services, which provides transport for adult daycare centers, nursing homes, and hospitals, is cooperating with authorities as the investigation into the crash continues.

The community is counting its blessings that the outcome wasn’t more tragic, with many reflecting on the vulnerability of the passengers involved. “I’m just thankful no one was seriously hurt,” said another neighbor.

Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds.