Tree Falls On School Bus As Severe Weather Pummels Hudson Valley

CARMEL, NY — As severe weather warnings continue in the region, a scary scene unfolded in Carmel after a tree fell on a school bus carrying students.

This afternoon, shortly after 4 p.m., Mahopac Falls Fire and EMS, in conjunction with Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department EMS and the Carmel Police Department were dispatched to Agor Lane, following reports of an incident involving a fallen tree atop an occupied school bus.

The school bus, occupied by a driver and 25 children, was stranded in the middle of the road, its front end severely damaged by a large tree entangled with overhead wires.

The students and driver were evacuated and examined on-site by both Mahopac EMS and an Empress supervisor. Fortunately, injuries sustained during the weather-related incident were deemed minor, and all involved declined further medical attention.

The Mahopac Central School District Transportation swiftly coordinated transportation arrangements to Austin Road School for the students and promptly notified all relevant parties responsible for the well-being of the children, officials said.

Mahopac Falls Fire and EMS returned to service and the scene was turned over to NYSEG and the Town of Carmel Highway Dept.

As of 5:40 p.m., Agor Lane remained closed with NYSEG and Town of Carmel Highway crews on the scene. Police asked motorists to continue to avoid the area for much of the evening.

A string of powerful storms barreled through the region early Friday evening. The severe weather included winds of up to 60 mph and quarter-sized hail according to the National Weather service.