UPDATE: January 21, 2026 at 8:15 p.m.
STA is working to confirm an image circulating online that shows the on-board routing system directing the bus down Cedar Street.
NonStop Local reached out to Carly Cortright with S-T-A for an update. She stated they are examining technology, training and any other factors that might have contributed to the crash.
UPDATE: January 20, 2026 at 4:31 p.m.
Spokane Transit Authority (STA) released an update on Tuesday stating that seven people were injured in the double-decker bus incident on Sunday, rather than the four people who were previously reported.
Eastern Washington University (EWU) released a statement expressing sympathies for those impacted by the crash.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the bus accident in Spokane this past weekend, especially those who were injured and their families,” an EWU spokesperson said.
STA’s investigation into the cause of the crash remains underway.
UPDATE: January 19, 2026 at 1:23 p.m.
Operations of all double-decker buses will be temporarily suspended for the investigation into Sunday’s crash, according to Spokane Transit Authority (STA) Chief Operations Officer Brandon Rapez-Betty.
Rapez-Betty said STA has enough regular buses to cover the affected routes, but warned that buses from the STA Plaza to Eastern Washington University will be busy and more full on school days.
Buses 6, 66 and 661 will cover the route to EWU.
SPOKANE, Wash. — A Spokane Transit Authority (STA) double-decker bus struck a train bridge Sunday afternoon, injuring several passengers, Spokane firefighters said.
The crash occurred at 146 South Cedar Street, between 1st and 2nd avenues, and emergency crews received the call at about 12:30 p.m., according to firefighters at the scene. STA later confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 12:14 p.m. on Sunday.
According to a press release from STA, the bus was operating on Route 6, traveling from Cheney to the University District, when it struck a railroad viaduct with a height clearance of 12 feet. The double-decker bus, which is 13 feet, 6 inches tall, was reportedly off route at the time of the crash, according to STA.
STA said that four people suffered minor injuries and were transported to a hospital. The extent of their injuries and the full damage to the bus remain unknown. The crash remains under investigation.
Cedar Street was closed on both sides of the crash site as crews worked to clear the area. STA officials said that they coordinated with the City of Spokane due to damage to the viaduct.
STA CEO Karl Otterstrom released a statement, saying:
“My thoughts are with our passengers who were injured in this tragic accident,” Otterstrom said. “We have already begun a full investigation and will implement additional measures to prevent this from happening ever again.”
STA said each bus costs about $1.2 million to $1.4 million.
