MIDDLETOWN, NY – A tragic accident unfolded on Thursday afternoon when a bus carrying high school band students from Long Island, New York, overturned on westbound Interstate 84. The crash resulted in the death of two adults and left five people in critical condition, with several others injured.
The bus, which belonged to the Farmingdale School District, was en route to Pennsylvania for a band camp. The school district confirmed that there were 44 people on board at the time of the accident. The two deceased individuals were identified as 43-year-old Gina Pellettiere and 71-year-old Beatrice Ferrari.
Following the incident, the school district canceled all afternoon and evening events. New York Governor Kathy Hochul released a statement, revealing that the bus had tumbled down a 50-foot ravine within minutes of the crash.
Hochul expressed her condolences and assured that she has been briefed on the accident. She praised the quick action of first responders, which she credited with saving lives. The governor also stated that personnel from the New York State Police and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services were on site to assist local emergency response teams.