Tragic Accident in New York: 2 Adults Lose Their Lives, Several Students Injured in Bus Crash En Route to Band Camp Event
Details of the Heartbreaking Bus Crash in New York
Tragedy Strikes in Orange County, New York: Two Adults Lost, Numerous Students Injured in Bus Accident
Governor Kathy Hochul reported that a bus carrying 40 students from Farmingdale High School and four adults veered down a 50-foot ravine on Interstate 84. Sadly, two individuals, Gina Pellettiere, 43, and Beatrice Ferrari, 77, lost their lives in the accident.
The incident resulted in multiple severe injuries, with five individuals in critical condition, according to Lt. Colonel Richard L. Mazzone. The injured have been transported to six local hospitals, although specific details about the injuries were not disclosed. Earlier, an official from the Wawayanda Fire Company mentioned that over 40 people were injured in the accident.
Mazzone noted that preliminary information suggests a potential front tire failure as a contributing factor to the accident. An investigation into the crash is currently underway.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at approximately 1:12 p.m. on Thursday, as stated by Governor Hochul.
Visualize the fear, the cries, and the aftermath as these high school students, including numerous freshmen, found themselves amidst this turmoil,” Governor Hochul expressed. She commended the swift response of first responders and rescuers, who successfully evacuated and ensured the safety of the students within a remarkable 45 minutes.
The bus was en route to a music event related to a band camp, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the high school. They were traveling to Greeley, Pennsylvania, as stated by the school.
Jake Mendlinger, a spokesperson for Farmingdale High School, informed CNN, “We received information about an accident involving Bus 1 while en route to Greeley, PA for band camp. Police and emergency responders, along with district administration, are currently at the scene.”
The bus was one of six vehicles heading to a band camp event in Pennsylvania, according to a statement released by the Farmingdale School District on Thursday afternoon.
Aerial images provided by CNN affiliates on Thursday afternoon depicted a passenger bus located amidst a wooded area, positioned in the median between the eastbound and westbound lanes. Emergency personnel were observed at the crash site, and a medical helicopter was stationed nearby on the highway.
Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus expressed his condolences, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the bus crash and their families. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all the first responders for their rapid response, service, and commitment.”
I-84 remains closed at exit 15A with detour routes established, as indicated by state police, who further noted that “Interstate 84 westbound is anticipated to remain closed for an extended duration.”
During her press conference, Governor Hochul referred to Thursday as “a day marred by terror” and expressed the state’s collective sorrow.
“This is unquestionably a day of mourning,” she remarked. “Families are in mourning today. We have grieving families, a grieving school, a grieving school district, a grieving county, and indeed, an entire state in mourning at this moment.”
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
