Two adults have now been reported to have killed and multiple students injured - several critically - after a charter bus from Farmingdale Senior High School on Long Island tumbled from Interstate 84 in Orange County, New York on Thursday afternoon and down a 50-foot ravine.
The bus contained 40 students and four adults that were one of 6 vehicles bound for a band camp located in Greeley, Pennsylvania at the time the crash took place. Reports say authorities responded to the scene by 1:12 p.m.
The two who lost their lives in the accident have been identified as band director Gina Pellettiere, 43, and retired history teacher Beatrice Ferrari, 77.
Details on injuries sustained have not been given; however, it has been confirmed by a Wawayanda Fire Company official that over 40 people in total were hurt, with five suffering critical injuries.
According to Lt. Colonel Richard L. Mazzone of the New York State Police, a preliminary investigation indicates that "a failure of a front tire may have been a contributing factor to this accident."
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued the following statement addressing the harrowing incident:
“Our hearts go out to the Farmingdale High School family. I am en route to Orange County. Nassau County has mobilized all of our resources to assist during this tragedy. Please pray for the injured.”
The investigation into the accident is ongoing, police say.