Band Director, Retired Teacher Killed In I-84 Bus Crash

WAWAYWANDA, NY — Police identified the two people who were killed Thursday when a chartered bus overturned while traveling through Orange County on Interstate 84.

The bus was carrying students from Farmingdale High School in Nassau County who were on their way to a band camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania. There were 40 students on the bus along with four adults.

The New York State Police said Gina Pellettiere, 43, of Massapequa, and Beatrice Ferrari, 77, of Farmingdale, died in the crash.

Five students were critically injured, the state police said.

The charter bus was one of six taking students to the band camp.

At a news conference Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul said a preliminary determination found that a faulty front tire “likely” was the cause of the crash.

She said the bus tumbled down a 50-foot ravine.

“But imagine the fear, the screams in the aftermath when these high school students, many of them freshmen, were surrounded by this chaos,” Hochul said. “But they endured, they were strong. And within 45 minutes, because of the efforts of an incredible amount of teamwork, these young people and the adults were brought to safety.”

Pellettiere was the director of the high school’s marching band and wind ensemble. Ferrari was a retired teacher, police said.

The crash occurred shortly after 1 p.m. on the I-84 westbound at Exit 15A/B. The bus was roughly an hour away from its destination.

A statement issued Friday morning from the Westchester Medical Center Health Network said that Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and Westchester Medical Center were providing care to 12 patients from Thursday’s accident in Orange County. Of those patients, three were in serious condition and nine are in good condition. As of Friday afternoon, four patients were released today. There are three remaining in serious condition and five in good condition.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said at a news conference Friday that there seven people being treated at Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown. He said one adult is still being treated at St. Luke's Hospital.

An investigation team from the National Transporation Safety Board is set to arrive Friday morning in Orange County. A spokesperson for the NTSB said it is expected to hold a media briefing sometime Friday afternoon in the Middletown area.

State police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the bus before the crash to please contact the New York State Police at Troop F Headquarters at 845-344-5300. They are also asking the public to check if they have any dash camera videos that may have recorded the incident. The passing lane on Interstate 84 westbound near mile marker 11 is closed due to a follow-up investigation.

Officials of the town of Wawayanda offered their thoughts to all the first responders, police, fire and EMS who were at the scene.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the tragic bus accident,” they posted on Facebook. “Our hearts go out to all the families in the Farmingdale High School community.”

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said he’s remained in contact with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and will continue to support him and his county as needed.

“I have been moved by all the residents who have sent me messages offering compassionate well wishes to the victims, while thanking and appreciating our first responders,” Neuhaus said. “Like you, I was inspired by the work of our first responders on Thursday and want to thank them for their unwavering dedication to the community.”