School traditions are the most beloved memories, where students from all grades gather to enjoy a common interest. Those were the days when we would look forward to field trips, camps, sports events, and other outdoor activities where we could mingle with everyone.
The Farmingdale students were excited for the same reason. Farmingdale High School marching band was excited for the Bandcamp in Greeley, Pennsylvania. Around 300 students gathered for the annual school tradition, excited for the next few days of fun.
On September 21, six buses departed from Nassau County, New York. At around 1:12 p.m., one of the buses suddenly went through the wire barrier, crashing down a 50-foot ravine and overturned. The exact location of the crash was two hours from the Northwest of New York City, near the town of Wayayanda on Interstate 84. The fatal crash claimed the lives of two adults and critically injured 5-6 students. The bus crashed just 40 minutes before reaching the destination.
What Happened at Farmingdale School District?
A charter bus containing high school band members overturned at Long Island along Interstate 84. The bus did not collide with another vehicle, nor did the bus divert because of a sudden encounter with any other thing/animal/vehicle. The bus simply went crashing down a 50-foot valley near the town of Wawayanda.
Out of the six buses, this bus contained 44 people, including four adults and 40 students. The fatal crash led to the deaths of two adults, including 43-year-old Gina Pellettiere, who is the marching band teacher from Massapequa, and 77-year-old Beatrice Ferarri, from Farmingdale. New York State Police Lt. Colonel Richard Mazzone has confirmed the identity of the two victims.
Around 5-6, students are gravely injured and have been seeking urgent medical attention. The NY state police are still investigating the reason for the accident. The investigators stated that the driver was licensed and was not driving under the influence.
Why Did the Farmingdale Bus Crash?
Although it is an ongoing investigation, the inspection records are more inclined towards the Regency charter bus company that provided the transport services to the Farmingdale School.
The New York State’s Department of Transportation has issued a statement–
“The vehicle operator, Regency Transportation of Nesconset, N.Y., has valid operating authority from the State Department of Transportation and a valid semi-annual inspection. The driver is properly licensed.”
However, after the preliminary investigation, the reason was stated that the front tire of the bus just gave out, which seems a tad bit suspicious.
Governor Kathy Hochul said–
“A bus that literally tumbled down a 50-foot ravine within minutes. It’s extraordinary,”
“While it’s preliminary, it’s likely that a faulty front tire contributed to the accident. Although, again, this is still under investigation. That’s a preliminary determination.”
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, they recorded a cumulative 25 violations for Regency in the last couple of years. Some of the recent issues included inoperative brake lamps and a problem with the emergency exits on a bus.
The safety administration also recorded that a Regency bus was involved in a crash in February.
However, the bus services also received favorable public reviews in the past. This case is still under an ongoing investigation, and not many details are disclosed about the inspection records.
We pray for the families of the two victims and the injured children and wish them a quick recovery.
What is your take on the unfortunate accident? Do you think the Regency Bus company from Nesconset, N.Y., is responsible for the accident? Let us know in the comments section below.
Recent Comments