16-Year-Old Girl Killed, 17-Year-Old Boy Injured in Harford County Crash Involving School Bus
A devastating crash in Harford County on Thursday afternoon claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl and left a 17-year-old boy seriously injured after their vehicle was pushed into the path of a school bus, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.
The Crash
Deputies said the incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Route 543 near Crescent Knoll Road in Bel Air. A vehicle traveling northbound on Route 543 was attempting to turn left onto Crescent Knoll Drive when it was struck from behind by another vehicle, forcing it into the path of a Harford County Public Schools bus.
The teenage passenger, a 16-year-old girl, died at the scene. The 17-year-old driver was rushed to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore with serious injuries. His current condition has not been publicly updated.
The driver of the striking vehicle, a 39-year-old man, remained at the scene and was not injured, deputies confirmed.
Impact on Students and Schools
The school bus involved in the crash was carrying multiple students from C. Milton Wright High School. Several students reported minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment, according to Harford County Public Schools spokesperson Kyle Andersen.
The remaining students were transferred onto another bus and returned safely to C. Milton Wright High School, where families were waiting to pick them up.
Community Grief
The sheriff’s office released a statement expressing condolences:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of everyone involved in today’s collision, especially those who lost a loved one.”
The crash has sent shockwaves through the Bel Air community, where many students and families are reeling from the sudden loss.
Elijah Kirsch, a high school sophomore and football player, said he was at practice when emergency vehicles began flooding the area. He later learned that the victim was a close friend.
“Close friend, prayers up for her, she sadly didn’t make it,” Kirsch said. “Now that I know what happened, I’m pretty beat up, but there’s nothing else we can do but keep her in our prayers.”
Ongoing Investigation
The sheriff’s office has launched a full investigation into the crash, with deputies reconstructing the scene and gathering witness accounts. Route 543 was closed for several hours as law enforcement and emergency crews worked at the site.
Authorities are expected to release more details in the coming days, including the identities of the victims once families have been fully notified.
A Hurting Community
The tragedy marks yet another reminder of the fragility of life on local roadways. Community members have begun leaving messages of support online, while school officials say they are preparing to make grief counselors available to students and staff at C. Milton Wright High School.
For now, Bel Air mourns the loss of a young life taken far too soon and prays for the recovery of the teenage driver who continues to fight for his life.
