Northbound traffic on Laurel-Bowie Road in Bowie ground to a halt Friday after a collision between a school bus and a car shut down the busy corridor and triggered a heavy emergency response near Old Chapel Road. Crews worked the crash scene while officers tried to untangle the evening backup, and drivers were urged to steer clear and use alternate routes. Authorities said the bus driver was taken to a local hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, and the investigation remains active.
What officials are saying
According to WUSA9, Bowie police responded just before 4 p.m. to the intersection of Laurel-Bowie Road and Old Chapel Road. Prince George's County Fire and EMS crews assisted at the scene, while officers handled the traffic mess as detectives worked to piece together what happened. WUSA9 also reported that it was not immediately clear whether any children were on the bus at the time of the collision.
Traffic impact and local context
This stretch of MD-197 has seen more than its share of serious crashes in recent months. In late April, a wreck along the same roadway turned fatal and shut down lanes, sending drivers to area hospitals, as reported by FOX5 DC. The pattern has underscored long-standing concerns from residents and safety advocates, who have pushed for tougher enforcement and engineering fixes along busy portions of Laurel-Bowie Road.
Investigation and next steps
Bowie police said they are investigating the cause of Friday's collision and have asked anyone with information to contact authorities, according to WUSA9. The identities of those involved had not been released, and reopening the northbound lanes depends on investigators finishing their evidence collection at the scene. Officials have not yet announced any citations or charges tied to the crash.
Drivers should expect lingering delays in the area while cleanup and the investigation continue and are advised to seek alternate routes if possible. This story will be updated as officials release additional details.
