RTA bus collides with Cleveland police cruiser at West 25th and Detroit; minor injuries reported

Crash reported midday on Cleveland’s Near West Side

A Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) bus and a Cleveland police cruiser collided Monday, January 26, 2026, at the intersection of West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue. The crash was reported at about 1:15 p.m., a busy corridor serving drivers, pedestrians and multiple transit lines on the city’s Near West Side.

Authorities said the police cruiser was responding to an urgent call at the time of the collision, with emergency lights and sirens activated.

Injuries described as minor; hospital transport reported

Two Cleveland police officers were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. One passenger on the RTA bus also suffered minor injuries. No other injuries were publicly confirmed as of Monday afternoon.

• Location: West 25th Street and Detroit Avenue
• Time: approximately 1:15 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026
• Injured: two police officers and one bus passenger, all described as having minor injuries

Investigation focuses on right-of-way and emergency response factors

Crash investigators are working to determine how the collision occurred and which vehicle had the right of way at the moment of impact. Collisions involving emergency vehicles often require investigators to review multiple factors, including signal timing, vehicle speeds, lane position, visibility, and whether nearby traffic had time and space to yield. Officials indicated the investigation is ongoing and did not announce a timeline for findings.

Authorities said the cruiser was responding to an urgent call with lights and sirens activated at the time of the crash.

Transit operations and traffic impacts

RTA bus routes that travel through the West 25th and Detroit area typically connect neighborhoods on the West Side with downtown and other major destinations. While the extent of service disruptions was not publicly detailed, crashes at this intersection can cause temporary traffic delays and may require short-term reroutes as police document the scene and vehicles are removed.

No additional details were released Monday about the bus route number, the number of passengers onboard, or whether citations were issued. Officials said more information may be released as investigators complete their review.