Bus hits overpass in Boston, injuring passengers

BOSTON - A charter bus carrying high school students from Pennsylvania crashed when it attempted to pass under a bridge in Boston on Saturday night, injuring more than 30 people, several seriously, and leaving some trapped inside for hours, authorities said.

The bus carrying 42 students and adult chaperones was coming from Harvard University and heading back to the Philadelphia area when it struck an overpass on Soldier's Field Road, a major crosstown road, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Authorities said the Calvary Coach bus did not belong on that road and state police were investigating whether charges are warranted against the driver, who apparently failed to see a sign prohibiting the vehicle from taking that route.

A spokesman for the Philadelphia-based bus company had no immediate comment.

State police said at least 32 people were injured, including three seriously. Photos posted on the Fire Department's website showed firefighters standing on the top of the bus using boards to extract people. The last victim was freed from the bus around 9 p.m., according to the department.

Soldiers Field Road curves along the Charles River and passes by Harvard and Boston University. It is a major roadway to the Massachusetts Turnpike.