1 student dies in Boston-area bus crash

WALTHAM, Mass. — A college student died while more than two dozen other passengers and the driver were injured when a bus returning from a hockey game struck a tree in suburban Boston, authorities said.

The preliminary investigation suggests the bus was returning to Brandeis University about 10:30 p.m. Saturday from Boston when it crashed near the Brandeis campus, according to a statement from Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Waltham police Chief Kevin O’Connell.

One student, Vanessa Mark, 25, died at the scene, according to the university.

“While Vanessa was currently on leave, she was … an active and cherished member of the Brandeis community,” school President Ron Liebowitz said in a statement. “We have been in touch with Vanessa’s family and will continue to stay in contact with them in the coming days, and we will keep you updated about ways we will honor Vanessa’s memory.”

The university canceled classes for today and Tuesday, according to a statement school spokesperson Julie Jette.

The remaining 26 passengers and the bus driver “sustained injuries of varying degrees” and were taken to area hospitals, authorities said. Brandeis in a statement Sunday afternoon said nearly all had been released.

No other names were made public and no one has been charged. The crash remains under investigation.