A school bus driver died after running off the road and striking a tree near Brandywine in Prince George's County, Maryland.
According to the Prince George's County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department and the Maryland State Police, the crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, the 22nd, along southbound U.S. Route 301 near Dyson Road.
First responders arriving at the scene extricated the driver, who was trapped after leaving the roadway and colliding with a tree, within 15 minutes. Despite attempting emergency treatment, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that only the driver was on board the bus at the time of the crash, with no passengers or students present.
Although the vehicle involved was a standard yellow school bus, it was reportedly operating as a private charter bus at the time of the incident.
Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) clarified in an official statement on the 23rd, "The vehicle involved was not a school system bus, nor was it operated by the school district." The district added, "We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt thoughts to the driver's family and all those affected by this tragedy."
Police and authorities are investigating the exact cause of the crash.