An early Monday in North Beach turned into an emergency scene when a Miami-Dade transit bus careened into a building, rupturing gas lines and forcing a swift evacuation of nearby homes and businesses. Multiple blocks were sealed off as crews rushed in, and two people suffering from respiratory issues were treated on site before being taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Miami Beach police said officers responded shortly after 4:10 a.m. to the 8600 block of Harding Avenue after the bus crashed into a building at 315 86 Street, damaging gas pipes and causing a leak, according to Local 10. Police and fire rescue crews quickly evacuated residents and shut down Harding Avenue and Collins Court in both directions from 85th to 88th streets. Westbound lanes on Byron Avenue at 86th Street were also blocked while teams worked the scene.
Evacuations and road closures
Using social media to get the word out, Miami Beach police warned drivers that “All NB & SB lanes along Harding Ave and Collins Ct are closed,” urging everyone to steer clear while the gas leak was assessed. Utility workers moved in to secure the damaged pipes, while fire-rescue teams swept through nearby buildings to check for lingering hazards and make sure the air was safe.
Injuries, transit context and next steps
Miami Beach Fire Rescue reported that two people experiencing respiratory problems were transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center, according to Local 10. The crash unfolded in a dense North Beach stretch dotted with several bus stops and a Mount Sinai stop, per the Miami Beach bus-stop list. Miami Beach police said an investigation into what caused the collision and how much damage it left behind was ongoing, while utility crews remained on scene to finish repairs.
