Heatwave Causes Pavement Failures and Vehicle Incidents in the City

Extremely high temperatures are causing notable damage and accidents on city streets, with dramatic scenes of vehicles sinking or breaking through the pavement.

In North New Hyde Park, a bus fell through the top level of a parking garage Tuesday afternoon as the asphalt gave way under intense heat of around 99°F. Witnesses described a loud bang as the bus’s rear sank into the compromised pavement. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the driver exited safely. Photos show the bus lodged with its front end elevated, a rare but possible consequence of hot asphalt softening during heat waves.

On Wednesday, in downtown Manhattan, a firetruck became stuck after the ground around its wheel turned to quicksand-like material amid similar heat conditions reaching 96°F. The vehicle was cordoned off until it could be towed away. Experts explain that extreme heat can soften asphalt, especially over existing faults or cavities, leading to such sinkholes or collapses.

A large bus has fallen into a hole in the asphalt — The bus was left with its rear end lodged in the ground and its front elevated during the heat wave in North New Hyde Park

While pavement failures are uncommon, recent reports across the country—including in the Dakotas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Missouri—highlight a surge in road buckling and cracking due to the ongoing heat dome. Images from these areas show roads splitting apart under extreme temperatures.

The East Coast has experienced the highest temperatures, with some areas surpassing 100°F, including parts of New Jersey and at JFK Airport. The city’s Department of Transportation confirmed the Manhattan firetruck incident was caused by a sinkhole—a result of the asphalt weakening under the intense heat.

Experts caution that such heat-induced pavement failures are increasingly likely during these exceptional weather conditions, especially over pre-existing faults, leading to dangerous situations on city streets.