Two people have died from injuries after two commuter buses collided in downtown Newark, officials say.

The crash occurred around 6 a.m. Friday in Newark when a New Jersey Transit bus with only the driver aboard starting its route on the 59 Line slammed into a 13 Line bus.

Joseph Barthelus, the driver of the 59 Line bus, died Friday morning. He reportedly worked for the transit agency for over 20 years. NJ Transit identified the other bus driver as James Roberts. NJ Transit says both men were longtime drivers in good standing.

The identity of the deceased passenger is unknown at this time.

NJ Transit police officials say there were 17 passengers and one driver on the 13 Line bus. Video from the scene showed responders treating several victims and loading some into ambulances.

Over a dozen people were taken to three area hospitals. One person was in critical condition and five more were in serious condition on Friday night.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka says the preliminary investigation is centered on whether the 59 Line bus ran a red light at the intersection of Raymond Boulevard and Broad Street.