In a bizarre turn of events that could only be described as nature’s uninvited party crasher, a deer decided to make an unexpected appearance on a Rhode Island city bus. The incident, which took place on a seemingly ordinary day in Warwick, has left passengers both startled and slightly worse for wear.

Shortly after 3 p.m. on Warwick Avenue, a deer crashed through the windshield of a bus operated by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) (USA Today, June 12, 2024). The dramatic event was captured on video by the bus’s internal cameras, making it a candidate for the most surreal viral content of the week (Fox News, June 13, 2024).

Regrettably, the incident did more than just scare the living daylights out of those on board. Shattered glass from the impact resulted in minor injuries for two passengers, who were quickly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Demonstrating either a bold sense of independence or an aversion to ambulances, a third passenger opted to go to the hospital on their own (USA Today, June 12, 2024).

Unfortunately, the deer did not survive the encounter. The state Department of Environmental Management was responsible for removing the animal, bringing an end to what was undoubtedly a traumatic experience for all involved (Fox News, June 13, 2024).

Amidst the chaos, one unsung hero emerged: bus driver Leocadio Hernandez. Demonstrating nerves of steel, Hernandez calmly continued driving until he could safely pull over. His composed actions drew commendations from RIPTA interim CEO, Christopher Durand, who praised Hernandez's exemplary response in the face of an unparalleled urban wildlife crisis (USA Today, June 12, 2024; Fox News, June 13, 2024).

The uninvited guest turned the bus ride into an adventure none of the passengers will soon forget, reinforcing the idea that commutes can sometimes be as unpredictable as the animal kingdom itself. Let’s hope future journeys remain uneventful and free of unexpected four-legged interruptions. This incident also serves as a poignant reminder: next time you’re considering crashing a party—deer or human alike—don’t forget to bring something to share. Preferably, dip.

Sources: