Bus Crash Closes Route 1A in East Boston, Snarls Traffic

BOSTON — A charter bus crash toppled multiple utility poles and transformers, shutting down Route 1A in East Boston during Monday morning’s rush hour and causing widespread traffic delays.

The incident occurred just after 5:30 a.m. on Jan. 27, 2025, when the bus veered off the road, striking a light pole and bringing down three additional poles and two transformers. The crash left wires strewn across the highway, forcing the closure of Route 1A, also known as the William F. McClellan Highway, in both directions.

“The bus veered off into the right lane, took out a pole, and unfortunately hit numerous poles. The poles pulled down other poles, so we had wires all over the street and about four transformers all over the highway — both sides of the highway,” said Boston Fire Department Chief Mark Raymond.

Two people on the bus were injured and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The bus was transporting employees to Logan International Airport, according to Massport.

Traffic was diverted into East Boston neighborhoods, causing significant congestion in the area. Southbound traffic was rerouted at Boardman Street, while northbound traffic was diverted at Addison Street. Police warned that traffic in East Boston, Revere, and Chelsea would be heavily impacted.

“It couldn’t be worse. It’s the worst time of the day. It’s the worst place it could happen — being a Monday is tough, too, so it’s going to be a major problem for the commute,” Raymond added.

Eversource was notified of the crash to address the downed wires and transformers. Authorities urged motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes, particularly those heading to Logan Airport.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.