Tragedy in Rossville: Woman Struck and Killed by School Bus in Baltimore County
Rossville, Md. — A tragic incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon in Rossville, located in Baltimore County, when a woman was fatally struck by a school bus. According to the Baltimore County Police Department, the collision occurred shortly before 2 p.m. at the intersection of Philadelphia and Ridge roads — a busy area that saw emergency responders rush to the scene following reports of a pedestrian being hit.
The woman, whose identity has not yet been released pending notification of her family, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that there were no children on board the school bus at the time of the incident, which may come as a small relief amid a deeply unsettling tragedy. The driver of the bus remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Officials have not yet released specific details about the circumstances leading up to the collision, and the cause remains under investigation. Investigators from the Baltimore County Crash Team are actively working to reconstruct the events and determine whether factors such as speed, visibility, or mechanical failure may have contributed.
The intersection of Philadelphia and Ridge roads is known for heavy traffic, especially during midday hours. Local residents who live near the crash site expressed their sorrow and concern after the incident. “It’s devastating,” said one witness. “You never expect to see something like this in broad daylight, especially involving a school bus.”
The area was temporarily closed to traffic as police conducted their initial investigation. By late afternoon, a small crowd had gathered at a respectful distance, some placing flowers on the roadside while others quietly watched first responders perform their duties.
School officials from Baltimore County Public Schools confirmed that the bus was not in service for student transport at the time of the crash. The school system also stated that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities and offered its condolences to the victim’s family.
“This is a heartbreaking event, and our thoughts are with everyone affected, especially the loved ones of the woman who lost her life,” a spokesperson for BCPS said in a statement. The district is also providing counseling services for the bus driver and any staff members who may be affected by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, community members are calling for a review of safety measures at the intersection. Some have noted that the area has been the site of previous accidents and may benefit from additional signage, reduced speed limits, or improved pedestrian infrastructure.
“This could have been anyone’s mother, sister, or neighbor,” one Rossville resident said. “It’s time we looked at ways to make our streets safer.”
Police have not indicated whether charges are expected or if any citations have been issued. The Baltimore County Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has dashcam footage from the area at the time to come forward to assist in the investigation.
As the community of Rossville grapples with the shock and sadness of Wednesday’s events, the focus remains on honoring the life lost and ensuring that all contributing factors are thoroughly examined to help prevent such tragedies in the future.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.