20 people, including child, injured in Lancaster bus crash

Bus crash in Lancaster injures at least 20

A bus crash in Lancaster has injured as many as 20 people, including an 8-year-old. The bus flipped after hitting the railroad tracks.

LANCASTER, Calif. - Twenty people were injured, one critically, when a bus struck train tracks and overturned in Lancaster on Wednesday, according to the California Highway Patrol. 

What we know:

The crash was reported around 11:15 a.m. at the railroad crossing near Sierra Highway and West Avenue C. 

According to the investigation, internal video confirmed an unidentified object pierced the windshield and struck the driver, knocking him unconscious.

CHP said that's when the bus veered off the east road edge onto a descending dirt embankment and collided with the railroad tracks before overturning on its side.

The bus driver sustained major, non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. 

An estimated 15 passengers were taken to local hospitals for treatment of injuries ranging from minor to major. Other passengers either self-transported or declined medical treatment.

According to Union Pacific, about 150 feet of track was repaired due to the collision. 

Sierra Highway was closed in both directions between Avenue C and Avenue D for about two hours during the investigation.

What we don't know:

It's unclear what the object was and from which direction it came from.

What's next:

Antelope Valley area officers continue to work with Kern County Transit to view additional onboard view to determine the origin of the object. 

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Investigating Officer M. Diaz, ID 24584, or Public Information Officer J. Church, ID 21819, at the California Highway Patrol Antelope Valley Area office at 661-743-6060. After business hours, contact the Los Angeles Traffic Management Center at 323-259-3200.