On the morning of September 16, a stolen automobile slammed into a King County Metro bus just south of Kent, Washington. The collision occurred at the intersection of South 277th Street and 83rd Avenue South, a busy corridor that connects Kent to Auburn.
Emergency response and investigation
King County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived on scene at approximately 7 a.m., responding to reports of a car‑versus‑bus crash. Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Brandyn Hull confirmed the vehicle involved was reported stolen and likely struck the bus at a high rate of speed.
Hull said the driver of the stolen car died from injuries sustained in the crash. No details about the driver’s gender, age, hometown, or where the car was taken from have been released. The bus driver was unharmed, and while passengers on the bus suffered injuries, specific information about their conditions was not provided.
Road closure and traffic impact
The crash forced the closure of the South 277th Street segment for several hours while emergency crews cleared the scene and the Major Accident Response team conducted its investigation. Motorists were diverted to alternate routes, and local transit riders experienced delays on the affected Metro bus line.
Community safety considerations
Incidents involving stolen vehicles pose a serious risk to public safety, especially on heavily traveled thoroughfares. King County officials continue to urge residents to report suspicious activity and to stay vigilant while driving. The Sheriff’s Office is reviewing surveillance footage and conducting a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the theft and subsequent crash.
Authorities remind the public that the King County Metro system remains a safe and reliable mode of transportation, and that emergency responders are trained to handle incidents quickly to minimize disruption.
What’s next?
The Major Accident Response team will release a full report once the investigation is complete. In the meantime, commuters are encouraged to check real‑time traffic updates and Metro service alerts for any further changes to routes or schedules in the Kent‑Auburn corridor.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
