Six people have been confirmed dead after a crash involving an MTA bus and a school bus Tuesday morning.
Police were called at 7 a.m. for reports of a crash in the 3800 block of Frederick Avenue in southwest Baltimore.
An investigation determined a yellow school bus was traveling eastbound on Frederick Avenue when it crashed into a Ford Mustang, then hit a pillar at the Loudon Park Cemetery. The bus then continued into oncoming traffic and hit an MTA bus on its driver's side.
"It literally looks like a bomb exploded in the bus, and is catastrophic damage," police spokesperson T.J. Smith said.
Five fatalities were reported on the MTA bus, Smith said. The driver of the school bus died at the scene. No children were aboard the school bus.
Police said a driver and an aide were aboard the school bus. Approximately 13 people were believed to be on the MTA bus. Eight people on the MTA bus have been taken to the hospital with minor to critical injuries.
One school bus passenger, and also the driver of the Mustang, were taken for treatment.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
University of Maryland Medical Center spokesperson Michael Schwartzberg said three people were taken to University of Maryland Medical Center and two were transported to Shock Trauma. Four are listed in fair condition. One person is in critical condition.
Governor Larry Hogan extended his condolences following the crash:
"The First Lady and I are deeply saddened to hear of the horrific crash this morning in Southwest Baltimore involving a school bus and an MTA commuter bus. Our deepest condolences go out to the victims and their families in the wake of this tragedy. We will continue to pray for those who were injured, as well as the first responders who worked swiftly and continue to care for the injured.
"Our administration gives our full support to the Baltimore City Police Department as they investigate, and we are prepared to offer any state assistance necessary."
Frederick Avenue is closed between Monastery Avenue and Morley Street. Motorists are advised to use Old Frederick Road, Edmondson Avenue or Wilkens Avenue as alternate routes.
Baltimore Academy is closed Tuesday due to the traffic delays. Baltimore City School officials said it contracts with seven vendors to provide student transportation. The school bus involved in the crash serviced 18 elementary school students who are transported to and from school.
School officials said this type of curb-to-curb service is typically offered to students with "special needs, who are homeless, or who receive English for Speakers of Other Languages or other specialized services." Starting Wednesday, those 18 children will be transported by a City Schools–owned bus, officials said.
UPDATE: There were no children on the school bus, however, there are six fatalities. We will brief soon.
— Baltimore Police (@BaltimorePolice) November 1, 2016
Expect closures and delays in the 3800 block of Frederick Ave. Significant injuries being reported PIO will be en route. @BaltimorePolice
— T.J. Smith (@TJSmithMedia) November 1, 2016
MTA BUS INVOLVED IN CRASH:Frederick Ave.CLOSED b/w Monastery Ave.& Morley St. Injuries reported #Baltimore @ABC2News pic.twitter.com/Oze8oAOw9J
— ABC2 Traffic (@MarylandTraffic) November 1, 2016
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