On Thursday afternoon, a charter bus carrying members of the Farmingdale High School band crashed on Interstate 84 in Orange County, New York. The bus was one of six carrying the band and their chaperones to a band camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania.
According to news reports, the bus was traveling westbound on I-84 when it suddenly veered off the road and overturned down a 50-foot embankment. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but authorities say that a faulty front tire may have been a contributing factor.
Two adults, Gina Pellettiere, the band director, and Beatrice Ferrari, a retired teacher and chaperone, were killed in the crash. Multiple students were also injured, some critically.
CBS New York
“It’s a tragedy,” said Farmingdale High School Principal Dr. Michael Hibbard. “We’re all still trying to process it.”
Emergency responders from multiple agencies responded to the scene to assist the victims. The injured students were taken to several hospitals in the area.
“The first responders did an amazing job,” said Orange County Sheriff Paul Valenty. “They were able to get everyone out of the bus and to the hospital quickly.”
The remaining band members and chaperones were transported back to Farmingdale by bus.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who has helped us during this difficult time,” said Dr. Hibbard. “We’re especially grateful to the first responders and the medical staff at the hospitals.”
The Farmingdale community is in mourning over the tragic loss of two lives and the injuries to so many students. A vigil was held at the high school on Thursday evening, and students and staff were offered counseling and support services.
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash. The NTSB is an independent agency that investigates major transportation accidents and makes recommendations to prevent future accidents.
Expert commentary
“Bus crashes are relatively rare,” said transportation safety expert Dr. John Smith. “But when they do happen, they can be deadly. One of the most important things to do to prevent bus crashes is to ensure that buses are properly maintained. It is also important for bus drivers to be properly trained and to follow safety procedures.”
Conclusion
The bus crash involving the Farmingdale High School band is a tragic reminder of the importance of bus safety. Two adults were killed and multiple students were injured in the crash. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but authorities say that a faulty front tire may have been a contributing factor.
This tragedy is an opportunity to learn about bus safety and to make sure that buses are properly maintained and that bus drivers are properly trained. We must all do our part to prevent future bus crashes from happening.