Upper Marlboro, Maryland – Two people were hospitalized Thursday afternoon following a multi-vehicle crash involving a Prince George’s County Public Schools bus in Upper Marlboro, according to local fire officials. Authorities confirmed that no students were on board the school bus at the time of the collision, which occurred at a busy intersection.
Incident Overview
The crash took place around 1:30 p.m. near Route 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue) and Ritchie Marlboro Road, an area known for heavy midday traffic. Emergency crews from the Prince George’s County Fire Department (PGFD) responded to a rescue call reporting a collision involving multiple vehicles, including a school bus that had come to rest along the roadside.
Officials said two individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation. While the injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, authorities stated the hospital transport was carried out as a precaution.
Timeline of Events
According to preliminary details provided by Prince George’s County Public Schools, the school bus was traveling southbound on Ritchie Marlboro Road as it prepared to begin its afternoon route. As the bus approached the intersection leading to the Pennsylvania Avenue ramp, a passenger vehicle allegedly failed to stop at a posted stop sign.
The failure to stop caused the school bus to strike the passenger vehicle. Following the impact, both vehicles veered off the roadway, resulting in a multi-vehicle crash scene that required emergency response and traffic control.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash was reported and assessed all individuals involved.
Details from Officials
Prince George’s County Public Schools released a statement explaining the circumstances of the incident and confirming the absence of students on board the bus.
“A Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) school bus was traveling southbound on Ritchie Marlboro Road at about 1:30 p.m. today to begin its afternoon route. As the bus approached the intersection leading to the Pennsylvania Avenue ramp, a passenger vehicle failed to stop at a posted stop sign, causing the bus to hit the vehicle. Subsequently, both vehicles veered off the roadway. The accident wasn’t weather-related.”
The school system emphasized that safety protocols were followed and that student transportation was not disrupted beyond the incident itself.
Key Facts of the Crash
- Location: Route 4 and Ritchie Marlboro Road, Upper Marlboro
- Time: Approximately 1:30 p.m.
- Vehicles involved: School bus and passenger vehicle
- Students on bus: None
- Bus driver: Sole occupant
- Occupants in passenger vehicle: Three people
- Hospitalizations: Two individuals
- Weather conditions: Not weather-related
Fire officials noted that while none of the individuals involved appeared to suffer serious injuries, medical evaluations were recommended due to the nature of the crash.
Witness and Emergency Response Accounts
PGFD crews arriving on scene found the school bus positioned off the roadway, along with at least one other damaged vehicle. Traffic in the area experienced temporary disruptions as first responders worked to secure the scene, assess injuries, and clear the roadway.
Emergency personnel conducted standard rescue and safety procedures, ensuring that all occupants were accounted for and safely transported as needed.
No extrications were reported, and responders confirmed that the situation was brought under control without further complications.
Additional Context on School Bus Safety
School bus-related crashes, even when no students are present, are treated with heightened caution due to the size and weight of the vehicle involved. Transportation authorities routinely stress the importance of obeying traffic signs near intersections and school routes, as failure to do so can result in serious collisions.
According to transportation safety experts, stop-sign violations remain a common cause of intersection crashes, particularly during daytime hours when traffic volume is high. Officials encourage drivers to remain alert and slow down near school bus routes, regardless of whether buses are actively picking up or dropping off students.
Ongoing Investigation
The incident remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine the exact sequence of events and whether any citations will be issued. Officials have not released the names or ages of those involved, and no charges have been announced at this time.
Investigators are expected to review traffic patterns, vehicle damage, and witness statements as part of the ongoing review.
Conclusion
Thursday’s crash in Upper Marlboro highlights the risks posed by intersection violations and the importance of attentive driving. While no students were on board and injuries were reported as non-serious, the incident underscores how quickly routine travel can turn into an emergency situation.
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash and are urging drivers to follow posted traffic signs to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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