Truck driver killed in crash with tour bus in Laurel

The mayor of Laurel is asking the state of Maryland to investigate a crash that killed a 45-year-old man.

The accident happened Thursday night when a pickup truck collided with a tour bus at Route 198 and the Amish Market Center traffic signal near Route 197.

Police say the tour bus with 58 passengers on board was going eastbound on Route 198 and making a left turn into a shopping center when it collided with the truck that was traveling in the opposite direction.

The man driving the truck, Michael Palomo of Silver Spring, was killed. Seven people on the bus, which was headed to Niagara Falls, were hospitalized.

Laurel Mayor Craig Moe is asking the Maryland State Highway Administration to investigate.

"We don't want anybody to perish here in the city of Laurel or anywhere when we're talking about traffic," said Moe.

He says the intersection is known for accidents. Moe told FOX 5 that he remembers a motorcyclist was killed at the intersection last year. The stoplight has a green light and a green arrow.

"I've had people call and talk to us prior. They seem to think that the intersection is very busy and very confusing at times," Moe said.

State investigators assisted Laurel police at the scene Thursday night, but Moe says he wants a traffic and intersection study to prevent future accidents.