JACKSON, Tenn. - The band director at a high school in Jackson suffered fatal injuries in a crash with a school bus.

Police said Michael Congiardo's car ran a red light and hit the bus Friday afternoon. He was leaving a school function at Madison Academic Magnet High School, where he is the band director.

A man who saw Congiardo before the crash said the car also hit a fence, The Jackson Sun reported.

"I asked him if he was all right," said Dr. Keith Taylor, a Jackson physician. "He told me he was, and then he shot down the street and ran a red light."

School system spokeswoman Ginger Carver said in an e-mail that Congiardo's car hit Bus 28 at an intersection at around 4 p.m., after the car went through a red light.

Congiardo was taken to the hospital by ambulance, after emergency workers cut the car open to get him out.

He died Friday evening from internal injuries from the accident.

Becky Fly, a theater teacher at the high school, said Congiardo instilled self-esteem in his students and was well respected among his peers.

"He was well respected and a wonderful teacher," Fly said. "He was so proud of his band, and he will certainly be missed."

Police are investigating the crash.