This is an updated post. You can read the original story here.
Gaithersburg, MD (May 4, 2026) – A man died, and a woman was injured following a crash involving a Ride On bus and a Kia Soul in Gaithersburg.
The collision occurred around 4:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, at the intersection of Midcounty Highway and Woodfield Road. Emergency units responded and found that both vehicles had collided in the intersection.
Authorities identified the driver of the Kia Soul as 59-year-old Alexander Norris of Gaithersburg. He suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts by medics.
A female passenger in the Kia was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The bus driver was not injured, and officials confirmed there were no passengers aboard the bus at the time. The incident remains under review by authorities.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and are thinking of those injured as they recover.
How Early-Morning Intersection Crashes Can Occur in Reduced Signal Conditions
Reduced traffic control settings can influence crashes at intersections during early morning hours. When signals are in flashing mode, drivers may rely more on stop-and-go judgment rather than full signal guidance.
Low-light conditions can also affect visibility, making it harder for drivers to judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles accurately. This can increase the risk of entering an intersection at the wrong time.
Intersections involving mixed traffic, such as buses and passenger vehicles, require careful attention from all drivers. Even small miscalculations in timing can lead to serious collisions, especially during off-peak hours.
