One Dead, Multiple Injured After Charter Bus Overturns Near Wawayanda, NY
WAWAYANDA, NY — A tragic accident occurred on Interstate 84 in Orange County near the town of Wawayanda, resulting in at least one death. According to sources, a charter bus carrying the Farmingdale High School marching band overturned, causing injuries to multiple individuals. The band, consisting of approximately 300 students, was on their way to band camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania when the accident happened.
The cause of the bus crash is still unknown, and investigations are underway. The incident occurred shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. Emergency responders were quick to arrive at the scene, and numerous injured victims were taken to various medical facilities for treatment. Five individuals were reported to have sustained serious injuries and were taken to Garnet Health Medical in Middletown, while others were transferred to Westchester Medical Center and Bon Secours Community Hospital.
Efforts are being made to reunite the injured with their families, with a family reunification center set up at SUNY Orange College in Middletown. Meanwhile, the students who were on the five other buses not involved in the crash will be returning to Farmingdale Thursday evening.
The bus involved in the accident was carrying ninth graders from Farmingdale High School. The students were expected to attend the band camp from Thursday to Sunday. Disturbing video footage from the scene showed the overturned charter bus in the median of Interstate 84, appearing to have rolled down a slope before coming to a rest on its side.
As a result of the accident, Interstate 84 westbound was closed at Exit 15, causing traffic delays in the area. Authorities have urged drivers to avoid the affected area as investigation and cleanup operations continue.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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