Blown Tire Investigated as Cause of Fatal Charter Bus Crash in Orange County
WAWAYANDA, Orange County (WABC) — Two adults were killed and several others were injured when a charter bus carrying students from Farmingdale High School in Nassau County, Long Island, veered off Interstate 84 in Wawayanda, Orange County. Investigators are now looking into whether a blown front tire may have caused the accident.
The bus was transporting 40 students and four adults to band camp at Pine Forest Camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania. The crash occurred at around 1:20 p.m. on Thursday, just 30 minutes away from their destination. The bus rolled down an embankment, coming to a rest on its left side.
Tragically, 43-year-old Farmingdale High School band director Gina Pellettiere and 77-year-old retired social studies teacher Beatrice Ferarri lost their lives in the crash. Five students are still hospitalized in critical condition.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct a safety investigation in collaboration with the New York State Police. Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her gratitude to the first responders who swiftly acted to save lives and assured continued support for them.
Preliminary findings suggest that a blown front tire might have caused the bus driver to lose control, leading to the accident. The overturned bus is being recovered from the ravine, and westbound lanes of I-84 reopened for traffic on Friday morning.
The injured students who did not require hospitalization were transported to a community building for reunification with their parents.
Students and faculty members at Farmingdale High School were devastated by the tragedy. The school community is shaken, awaiting updates on the condition of the teachers and chaperones who were on the bus.
Governor Hochul released a statement expressing her condolences and stating that her heart is with all those affected by the horrific situation.
As the investigation continues into this tragic accident, authorities are urging people to hug their loved ones tightly and to cherish every moment with them.
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