SHOCKING video captured the moment a deer crashed through the front of a bus, leaving three people injured as the animal thrashed in front of terrified passengers.
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority released footage of the incident from Monday afternoon.
The clip shows the bus driving down a street when the deer suddenly appears and runs right into the front windshield.
Glass shattered as the deer smashed into the bus, appearing to hit a passenger sitting at the front as it began moving frantically on the floor.
Despite the chaotic scene, the bus driver was able to avoid a crash, keeping the bus steady on the road until he was able to come to a safe stop.
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"I want to commend our RIPTA bus driver, Leocadio Hernandez, for his exemplary response to this unique situation," said RIPTA Interim CEO Christopher Durand in a statement.
"His exceptional alertness and composure under pressure ensured the safety of all passengers.
"This incident underscores the dedication and professionalism of our drivers in maintaining the highest standards of safety and care for our community."
Three passengers suffered minor injuries, said officials.
Two passengers were taken to the hospital due to injuries caused by the broken glass while a third went to the hospital on their own to be treated.
In total, there were six passengers on the bus at the time, said the Warwick Police Department.
Residents say seeing deer in the area is normal but the crash was completely out of the ordinary.
"They run around, have fun. Not like that," Michelle Gibbons Picozzi, who lives near the woods where the deer came from, told local NBC affiliate WJAR-TV.
"I didn't see it running down but not like that at all," she said.
Another bus arrived shortly after to pick up the remaining passengers.
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While somewhat rare, collisions between cars and deer can happen in Rhode Island.
Last year, the state had 1,347 deer-vehicle collisions reported to the Department of Environmental Management, spokesperson Evan LaCross told The Providence Journal.
This is down from 2022, where 1,544 incidents were reported - a 20% increase from 2021.
Crashes tend to happen more during the deer breeding season which starts in late October and continues through early December.
