2 Huntington Teens Seriously Hurt In Southern State Bus Crash

UPDATED at 3:30 p.m.: Two teens suffered serious injuries after a coach bus carrying 44 people, most of whom were Huntington High School students, struck an overpass on the Southern State Parkway on Sunday night, officials say.

According to New York State Police, 38 students, ranging from 16 to 18 years old, five adult chaperones and the driver were on the bus at the time of the 9:30 p.m. crash. Two 17-year-old girls remain in the hospital with serious injuries, police say. The rest of the occupants on the bus were treated and released.

About 38 of the 44 people involved in the crash are Huntington-area residents.

The coach bus was traveling eastbound when it struck the Exit 18 overpass at Eagle Avenue in Hempstead, police say. The bus was transporting the occupants, who were returning from a spring break trip in Eastern Europe, from John F. Kennedy Airport to the Walt Whitman Mall, police say.

"While injuries apparently ranged in severity, preliminary reports indicate that all have been treated and released, or remain under treatment," Huntington Union Free School District Superintendent James W. Polansky said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with all families involved. Student support staff remain on hand at Huntington High School for those in need."

Image via Huntington UFSD