Riverhead bus crash overturns county transit bus, injures three

A Suffolk County Transit bus overturned at about 3:15 p.m. on Jan. 14 after colliding with a Montauk Bus Co. mini school bus at the intersection of Northville Turnpike and Doctors Path in Riverhead. Responders extricated an adult passenger from the overturned county bus, and three people were transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Riverhead Fire Department led the on-scene rescue with support from multiple ambulance squads. The injured included the driver of the mini school bus, the child passenger aboard the mini bus, and an adult passenger from the Suffolk County Transit vehicle. Emergency crews stabilized patients at the scene before transporting them to the local hospital.

The collision forced emergency responders to secure the intersection and likely disrupted afternoon commutes on a major east-west route for the North Fork. Drivers and transit riders who use Northville Turnpike and surrounding corridors experienced delays as crews worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the scene.

Riverhead Police are handling the investigation and have asked anyone who witnessed the crash to contact their department. Authorities will examine factors such as right-of-way, vehicle speeds, road and weather conditions, and any mechanical issues. The involvement of a school bus, even a mini school bus, heightens concern among parents and guardians about student transport safety.

For Suffolk County Transit riders and families who rely on Montauk Bus Co. services, the collision underscores the importance of keeping informed about schedule changes and detours after major incidents. Expect local agencies to review the circumstances of the crash, and monitor official channels for updates on service restoration and any temporary route adjustments.

This collision also highlights broader community questions about intersection safety on Northville Turnpike and nearby routes that carry mixed traffic, school buses, and commuter buses. Town officials, school districts, and transit agencies may assess signage, signal timing, sightlines, and enforcement in response to the incident.

What comes next for Riverhead residents is an investigation into the cause and a period of repairs and potential traffic fixes. Anyone who saw the crash or has video footage should contact Riverhead Police to assist in the inquiry. Commuters should plan for possible continued traffic impacts and check transit updates before traveling.