The buses were in the process of being cleared Wednesday evening after a serious crash witnesses say involved a red car and what appears to be some really bad timing.
The crash happened around 6:42 p.m. near Lake Street and Homan Avenue in East Garfield Park, Chicago police said.
Chopper 7 was over the scene, where it appeared two CTA buses and a red sedan were involved in a crash.
"According to preliminary information, a driver collided with a southbound #82 bus near Homan and Lake which resulted in a subsequent collision with a northbound bus," CTA said in a statement.
Chicago fire officials said 11 people were taken to hospitals, with one person in critical condition, five in serious condition and five in good condition. Nine people were treated for injuries at the scene, CFD said.
Chicago police later said a total of nine people were hospitalized, including the driver of the sedan, one of the CTA bus drivers, and seven passengers.
Witnesses say the driver of a red car drove through a red light at Homan.
A passenger on the southbound bus named Guy spoke to ABC7.
"Guy coming down Lake Street. Man I think he was going to turn or something and the two buses was and when you come through that from both sides, you know what I'm saying the busses had the green light," the passenger said. "Hit my knee... I got a knee bruise. If it gets worse, I'm going to the doctor."
Several people at the scene said police arrested the driver of the red car.
"It is dangerous man people should not be driving," Guy said. "You've got to take into consideration other people you know people are driving like it's a game it ain't no game, bro."
No further information about the crash victims was immediately available.