Iowa student and driver die in school bus fire

— -- An Iowa school bus became engulfed in flames this morning, killing the driver and a student who were onboard, according to authorities.

The bus began its route about 7 a.m. in the farm town of Oakland before backing out of one home's driveway and landing in a ditch where it caught fire, Pottawattamie County officials said.

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office identified the driver as Donald Hendricks, 74, and the student as Megan Klindt, 16.

“[The bus] was backing out of the driveway, and ended up in the opposite side ditch and a fire ensued; and the driver and one student was unable to get off the bus,” Sheriff’s Office Lt. Rob Ambrose told reporters at the scene.

The crash occurred just outside Klindt's home just after she had been picked up by the driver, Ambrose told ABC News.

They were the only people on board, authorities said, adding that an investigation is underway.

That will include the National Transportation Safety Board, which tweeted this afternoon that it is on the way to the crash site.

The Riverside Community School District issued a statement, saying, "Our hearts go out to their families and loved ones."

It added, "School is in session and a Crisis Team from the Green Hills Area Education Agency along with area schools counselors and many community volunteers have been deployed to all our buildings to assist students and staff."