Bus Accident on Cedar Street Injures 7 People [Spokane, WA]

Spokane, WA (January 20, 2026) — A frightening accident on Cedar Street involving a Spokane Transit Authority double-decker bus on Sunday afternoon sent seven people to the hospital and prompted an ongoing investigation.

According to authorities, the crash happened around 12:14 p.m. on Cedar Street between 1st and 2nd avenues.

Reports say that the bus, operating on Route 6 from Cheney to the University District, struck a railroad bridge with a posted clearance of 12 feet. The double-decker bus stands approximately 13 feet, 6 inches tall.

Emergency crews transported seven individuals to area hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not released details on the extent of their injuries.

Transit officials indicated the bus had deviated from its intended route, leading to the collision. The driver, who has worked for STA for more than four years, was placed on administrative leave as part of standard procedure. STA has temporarily removed all double-decker buses from service while it reviews training protocols and investigates the incident.

Distracted driving is one of the most common—and most preventable—causes of traffic collisions. It includes anything that takes your attention away from the road, such as texting or talking on your phone, eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, using a navigation system, or even talking to passengers. When your focus shifts away from driving, even for a moment, the risk of a serious crash increases dramatically.

Texting while driving is especially dangerous. Reading or sending a text can take your eyes off the road for about five seconds. At highway speeds, that’s enough time to travel the length of a football field without looking—more than enough for a devastating accident to occur.

Safe driving requires your full attention at all times. Any non-driving activity, no matter how small it seems, can become a deadly distraction. Staying focused behind the wheel protects not only you but also your passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and everyone else on the road.

Sweet Lawyers reminds transit agencies and drivers alike that route awareness and vehicle clearance limits are critical to public safety. Careful navigation and adherence to training can help prevent serious injuries and protect passengers and the community.

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What To Do After a Traffic Accident

Every year, millions of people are injured in traffic accidents. In moments like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. One of the most important steps you can take after an accident is to seek help from a trusted personal injury attorney.

An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights, handle insurance matters, and ensure you receive the medical care and compensation you deserve. Many people believe personal injury attorneys only care about settlements—but that’s far from the truth. At Sweet Lawyers, our team is dedicated to helping victims rebuild their lives. We understand the pain and challenges that follow a serious accident, and we fight to make things right for you and your family.

No one expects to be involved in a crash, but when it happens, you don’t have to face it alone. With more than 40 years of legal experience, our attorneys know what it takes to stand up for accident victims and help them recover what they’ve lost.

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, reach out to Sweet Lawyers today. We’re here to listen, guide, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call (800) 674-7852 for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our caring legal professionals.