Local
Two adults killed in Mesa collision with school bus; driver hospitalized
A Friday afternoon crash near Southern Avenue and Hawes Road in Mesa left two adults dead and sent the school bus driver to the hospital. No children were aboard the bus, and westbound Southern Avenue remained closed during the investigation.
Two adults died Friday afternoon after their passenger vehicle collided with a school bus in Mesa, according to the Mesa Police Department.
The crash occurred around 4:30 p.m. near the intersection of Southern Avenue and Hawes Road. Both occupants of the passenger vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The driver of the school bus was taken to a hospital for treatment; authorities did not immediately release information on the driver's condition.
No children were on the bus when the collision happened, according to police.
Westbound lanes of Southern Avenue at Hawes Road were closed Friday evening as officers investigated the scene. Drivers in the area were advised to expect delays and to use alternate routes.
The circumstances leading up to the crash, including which vehicle had the right of way, have not been released. Police have not identified the people who died pending notification of their families.
The intersection sits in a busy stretch of east Mesa that carries a mix of residential traffic, school buses and commuters. Friday's collision adds to a year of mounting concern over road safety in the region, where pedestrian and vehicle fatalities have drawn increased scrutiny from residents and city officials.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Mesa Police Department.