Middletown, New York CNN – A tragic bus accident in Wawayanda, New York has left both students and first responders traumatized. The bus, carrying members of Farmingdale High School’s marching band to a band camp in Pennsylvania, veered off Interstate 84, crashed through a wire guard rail, and rolled down a ravine. New York State Police Trooper Jason Lewis, one of the first responders on the scene, described the horrific scene, stating that the bus rolled over multiple times and the children were crying and asking for their parents.
Gina Pellettiere, the band’s director, and Beatrice Ferrari, a longtime chaperone, were killed in the accident. Five students are currently in critical condition in the hospital, while twenty-two students have been released. The number of hospitalized students is unclear and continues to change.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but a faulty front tire is a preliminary suspect. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has arrived at the scene to conduct a thorough investigation. They will be staying at the crash site for the next five days to a week to determine the factors that led to the accident.
Ferrari, who taught at Farmingdale High School for 32 years, was known for her dedication to her students. Pellettiere and Ferrari became close friends during their time at the school, and Ferrari continued to chaperone band camp trips even after her retirement. Ferrari leaves behind a husband, two daughters, and four grandchildren.
Pellettiere, described as a beloved band director, also served on the board of the Nassau Music Educators Association. She will be greatly missed by the music education community.
Governor Kathy Hochul praised the efforts of first responders in rescuing the survivors, highlighting the fear and chaos that the students experienced. She urged everyone to cherish their loved ones and emphasized the preciousness of life.
The tragic bus crash in Wawayanda serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring each moment with loved ones.
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