News Summary
A tragic accident in Providence claimed the life of Lucas Garcia when he was struck by a school bus while crossing a street. The bus driver has been cited for several traffic violations, and the incident has sparked community outcry over pedestrian safety, as it marks the second fatality at the same intersection within three years. In response, city officials are emphasizing infrastructure improvements aimed at ensuring the safety of pedestrians.
Providence, Rhode Island – A tragic accident on October 2, 2025, resulted in the death of 38-year-old Lucas Garcia, who was struck by a school bus while crossing a street in Providence. The incident occurred at approximately 5:48 a.m. at the intersection of Union Avenue and the Route 10 north on-ramp, where Garcia was in a crosswalk when he was hit.
Emergency responders transported Garcia to Rhode Island Hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival due to the severity of his injuries. At the time of the collision, there were no students aboard the bus; only a 44-year-old driver and a bus monitor were present.
The driver has been cited for several traffic violations related to the accident, including failure to yield the right-of-way while making a left turn, failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, and failing to provide due care. These citations amount to a total fine of $306. Following the incident, the bus driver, who is employed by First Student Inc., has been removed from service as an investigation into the accident proceeds.
In the wake of Garcia’s death, a vigil was organized by the Providence Streets Coalition at the site of the accident, in memory of the victim. Garcia’s family has also initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist in returning his body to Guatemala.
This incident marks the second pedestrian fatality at the same intersection in the last three years. The first fatality occurred in April 2022, when 76-year-old Violet Barracks was killed at the same location.
Concerns have been raised by the Providence Streets Coalition regarding the safety of the intersection, particularly the inadequate lighting and the timing of pedestrian traffic signals. Although plans for improvements to the intersection are underway through a federal grant titled “Safe Streets For All,” updates are not expected to be implemented until 2027.
In response to recent events, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has emphasized the city’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and pedestrian safety to prevent future accidents. The mayor’s focus is aimed at ensuring a safer environment for all residents, particularly those who rely on crosswalks for safe passage.
As the community mourns the loss of Lucas Garcia, it reflects on the broader implications of pedestrian safety in the city. The high-profile nature of this incident underscores the urgent need for systemic improvements to pedestrian infrastructure to prevent further tragedies.
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Additional Resources
- WPRI: School Bus Driver Cited in Deadly Providence Crash
- Google Search: Providence fatal bus crash
- NBC Boston: Fatal Bus Crash in Providence
- Google Scholar: Providence pedestrian safety
- Turn to 10: Pedestrian Seriously Injured After Being Struck by School Bus
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pedestrian safety
- ABC 6: Vigil Held for Man Struck and Killed by School Bus
- Google News: Providence bus crash
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
