RIVERDALE PARK, Md. - A MARC (web | news) train struck a Metrobus in Riverdale Park, Md., Thursday afternoon, injuring eight people, Prince George's County Fire and Rescue spokesman Mark Brady said.

Metrobus 6040 had just crossed the train tracks near Rhode Island Avenue when it came to a stop next to another bus. Witnesses say the two were involved in a minor fender bender. Then just moments later, those witnesses heard an enormous crash and were overwhelmed with smoke.

Sources say while the drivers spoke, the rear of the 6040 was still on the tracks. Then, the red stop lights lit up, the crossing gates dropped and a MARC train quickly approached and slammed into the bus.

The metro driver had just enough time to evacuate the 40 passengers on board before the train traveling at about 60 mph made impact. 

"We felt something -- we didn't know what it was cause we had no idea. We heard the whistle of the train," said Chico Valentin, a passenger. "Next thing I know, I couldn't see four feet in front of me."

Brady said seven patients from the bus and one from the train were taken to hospitals with what he described as minor injuries.

The collision happened shortly after 4:30 p.m. near the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and Queensbury Road .

The investigation continues as Metro engineers try to figure out exactly why the bus was left on the tracks. 

Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department News -- Image of train and bus after crash (ME Brady).

Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department News -- Image of passengers being transported to hospital (ME Brady).

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