The Barnegat driver of a bus that originated in Toms River and crashed in Old Bridge this morning is in critical condition, according to news reports.

The driver of the Academy bus involved in the accident is Daniel Jean-Pierre, 42, of Barnegat, NJ.com is reporting. He was listed in critical condition along with a 31-year-old female passenger.

About 36 people are believed to be injured after an accident involving an Academy commuter bus on Route 9 North in Old Bridge Township on Thursday morning, according to Marlboro Police Cpt. Steve Menonna. 

Academy spokesperson Joe Orlando told News 12 the bus originated in Toms River and likely made stops in Lakewood, Howell and Freehold. Orlando said he may not have a list of the injured until later today, if at all.

The stretch of highway, which is traveled heavily by commuters, is closed in both directions as emergency personnel from all surrounding municipalities respond to the scene, Menonna explained. New Jersey State Police are also on the scene.

The accident occurred this morning in the vicinity of ShopRite of Old Bridge. There is a NJ TRANSIT Park & Ride bus station in front of ShopRite however NJ TRANSIT officials say none of their vehicles were involved in the crash. 

It is unclear at this time exactly how severe the injuries are, how many vehicles were involved and when Route 9 North will reopen.

CBS New York reports that aerial footage shows a commuter Academy bus crashed into a school bus, but no children are believed to have been on board the school bus at the time of the accident.

The Academy bus driver was still trapped in the vehicle at of 9:30 a.m., News 12 reported on its broadcast. NJ101.5 reported on their broadcast that as of 9:40 a.m., the driver has been removed from the vehicle and will be airlifted to the hospital.

Raritan Bay Medical Center spokesperson Eric Munch told News 12 that they had received six patients who were in stable condition. The hospital expected to receive more patients, Munch said during the broadcast.

As a result of the accident a number of NJ TRANSIT buses traveling to and from Newark and New York are subject to a 20 to 30 minute delay, including bus numbers 67 and 68, according to the agency's website. There is currently no service between Route 18 and Ernston Road. 

Patch will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.