Tragedy struck on Thursday afternoon when a bus carrying 40 students from Farmingdale High School in Nassau County, Long Island, crashed and rolled down an embankment.[0] The students were on their way to a band camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania, accompanied by four adults.[1] The devastating accident resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left several others injured.
Authorities suspect that a faulty tire may have contributed to the crash. Governor Kathy Hochul, speaking at a news conference, stated that an “initial determination” pointed to a faulty front tire as a potential cause. However, a thorough investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the wreck.[2]
The victims of the crash were identified as Gina Pellettiere, 43, from Massapequa, and Beatrice Ferarri, 77, from Farmingdale.[3] Gina Pellettiere was the director of the high school's marching band and wind ensemble.[4] The loss of these two individuals has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving family, friends, and students devastated.
First responders rushed to the scene of the accident, using ladders and ropes to reach the bus, which had overturned and was lying on its side in the embankment.[5] Photos and news footage captured the harrowing aftermath of the crash, with the bus surrounded by trees and its windows shattered.[6] The emergency response teams worked diligently to rescue and assist the victims.
Governor Hochul expressed her gratitude for the swift actions of the first responders, acknowledging that their efforts saved lives.[5] The state police, Homeland Security, and emergency services were on-site to support local emergency crews.[7] Governor Hochul emphasized that their hearts are with all those affected by this horrific situation.[7]
Injured students were transported to Orange County Community College's Diana Physical Education Building in Middletown for reunification.[8] Students from the other buses that were not involved in the crash were safely returned to Farmingdale.[8] The Farmingdale School District provided access to grief counselors to support the students during this traumatic time.[6]
Interstate 84 in Orange County was closed in both directions due to the crash, and motorists were advised to seek alternate routes.[9] The closure was expected to last several hours as authorities worked to clear the scene and investigate the incident further.
Governor Hochul described the bus's descent down a 50-foot ravine as extraordinary and urged everyone to hug their children tightly, emphasizing the preciousness of life. The governor's words resonated with the community as they grappled with the tragedy that unfolded unexpectedly.
The crash serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. As the investigation continues, the community and the nation grieve for the lives lost and send their thoughts, prayers, and support to the families affected by this devastating event.
0. “New York Bus Crash: Two Killed, Dozens Injured Driving To High School Band Camp” Forbes, 21 Sep. 2023, https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2023/09/21/new-york-bus-crash-two-killed-dozens-injured-driving-to-high-school-band-camp
1. “1 killed, multiple people hurt as bus carrying children crashes on New York highway” WPBF West Palm Beach, 21 Sep. 2023, https://www.wpbf.com/article/bus-children-multiple-hurt-new-york-highway/45250024
2. “Bus carrying high school band rolls over in New York, kills at least two” The Jerusalem Post, 21 Sep. 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-760090
3. “New Info: 2 Dead, 5 Critically Injured In HS I-84 Bus Crash In Orange County” Daily Voice, 21 Sep. 2023, https://dailyvoice.com/new-york/northorange/new-info-2-dead-5-critically-injured-in-hs-i-84-bus-crash-in-orange-county/
4. “High school band leader among 2 dead when bus carrying LI students overturns in upstate NY” New York Post , 22 Sep. 2023, https://nypost.com/2023/09/21/multiple-injuries-reported-after-bus-rolls-over-on-i-84/
5. “One person dead after bus carrying schoolchildren crashes in New York” The Guardian US, 21 Sep. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/sep/21/new-york-school-bus-crash-one-death
6. “Bus carrying Farmingdale High School band crashes in New York's Orange County; 2 adults dead, multiple injuries reported” CBS News, 21 Sep. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/bus-crashes-in-new-yorks-orange-county-numerous-people-being-treated
7. “One Dead, Dozens Injured In High School Student Bus Crash” Jalopnik, 21 Sep. 2023, https://jalopnik.com/one-dead-dozens-injured-in-high-school-student-bus-cra-1850862883
8. “Two dead, over 40 injured in rollover crash of bus carrying students in New York” NBC News, 21 Sep. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rollover-bus-crash-new-york-leaves-40-injured-5-critically-rcna111440
9. “Bus accident forces closure I-84 in Orange County” Spectrum News, 21 Sep. 2023, https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2023/09/21/bus-accident-forces-closure-i-84-in-orange-county
