Bus From Phoenixville Carrying Schoolchildren Crashes In Maryland, 28 Injured: Cops

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — A bus owned by a Phoenixville company has crashed in Maryland, injuring at least 25, according to officials.

The incident was first reported sometime before 10 a.m. on Monday morning, Maryland State Police said. There were 26 middle schoolers, three chaperones, and one driver on board when the bus crashed.

No fatalities have been reported, although one teacher and one child were flown by lifeflight to a nearby hospital with severe injuries. Many others were taken by ambulance to local hospitals.

It's not known what caused the crash, which occurred on I-95 southbound near exit 89. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, police said. At least one other car was involved in the incident.

The bus flipped over on its side during the crash, and photos from the scene show wreckage strewn across the roadway.

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The children on the bus were eighth graders from CW Henry School in West Mount Airy, the Philadelphia School District confirmed.

The school district said in a statement on Monday that they are not releasing any names or information on the condition of the injured individuals.

"Our thoughts are prayers are with everyone involved in this accident," said William Hite, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. "I would like to thank all the first responders for their efforts to insure our students, teachers and parents safety, the Philadelphia police who happened to be traveling down I-95 at that very same time and the entire City government community who has pitched in at this time."

Parents are encouraged to call 215-400-5858 for more information about those who were on the bus.

Based on preliminary investigation, police said that the driver of a passenger car had been trying to pass the bus when the car lost control and clipped the front of the bus, which overturned near an embankment.

Upon consulting with the Harford County State's Attorney's Office, police said charges would be withheld pending the outcome of the investigation.

"This was a devastating event for all involved," said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. "Student safety, on and off school grounds, is of paramount importance, and the City will continue to do whatever we can to support the School District and assist families impacted by this tragedy. I pray for the full and speedy recovery of those who were hurt."

The crash occurred around 9:30 a.m. past the exit for MD 155, transportation officials said. The highway was not cleared until after 2 p.m.

The highway was temporarily closed in both directions to allow for two medevac helicopters to land, causing traffic jams from Aberdeen to Perryville.

The bus is owned by Werner Coach out of Phoenixville.

I-95 was shut down and backed up for miles in the wake of the crash, officials said. Northbound lanes were reopened at 11:45 p.m. and southbound remained closed until 2:!5 p.m. as the investigation and cleanup continued.

Victims have been taken to Harford Memorial Hospital, Christiana Care, and Upper Chesapeake Health at the University of Maryland.

This is a breaking story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Image via Susquehanna Hose Company (Havre de Grace, Maryland)