A high school band trip turned into tragedy in New York state after a bus transporting more than 40 people overturned on Interstate 84 Thursday, killing two people and injuring dozens. The group was traveling from Farmingdale Senior High School in Long Island to a band camp in Pennsylvania. Two adults died in the crash: retired teacher Beatrice Ferarri, 77, and Farmingdale Senior High School Band Director Gina Pellettiere, 43.
News of the horrific crash spread quickly, and loved ones flocked to social media to pay tribute to those on board. Today, the Farmingdale community is mourning the beloved teachers and supporting the band members, whose lives will never be the same.
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The accident happened early Thursday afternoon.
According to multiple reports, the charter bus crashed about 1:15 p.m. on Interstate 84 in Wawayanda, about 75 miles from New York City. Governor Kathy Hochul said during a news conference Thursday that New York State Police Troopers responded to a call about an accident and found the bus 50 feet down in a ravine. She said the scene was chaotic and terrifying.
First responders rescued dozens of passengers trapped inside the bus.
Hochul said crews had the bus cleared within 45 minutes and were able to tend to the needs of survivors on the scene and take others to area hospitals.
Anthony Eugenio, a student involved in the accident, told ABC 7 NY he was sleeping when it happened and didn't realize what was going on. "I woke up, but I didn't know I woke up. I thought I was in a dream still." He remembered hearing the bus roll over and seeing the student beside him covered in blood. Eugenio said he crawled out of a window and thought to himself, "This can't be real."
The school community is heartbroken.
Both Pellettiere and Ferrari were beloved members of the Farmingdale community. Susan Perna told ABC 7 NY that her kids loved Pellettiere, who went by Mrs. P. She was the kind of teacher who made going to school fun.
"She's one of the reasons that I come to school and get to places 15 minutes before time," Perna's son said. "She was an inspiration to me. She was always happy, always positive, always passionate."
Angela Ferrari-Aldieri told NBC News her mother and Pellettiere became friends, and when Pellettiere asked her to chaperone the trip, Ferrari jumped at the chance to be with the students.
"My mom was like this grandma, and the kids were able to feel comfortable and feel good talking to her," Ferrari-Aldieri said. "She became Grandma Bea."
Hundreds of people have posted tributes on social media.
Kelly Tuchler wrote a post on Facebook that reads in part, "Rip to the LIGHT of the Farmingdale Music Community. The Farmingdale Band would not have been what it was without Ms.P. She brought so much passion and energy and always made me want to be a better Tuba player. The community lost someone absolutely amazing and it will never be the same without her. I'm so glad I decided to go to last years Christmas Parade in town and got to see her where she continued to yell "TUBA CHRISTMAS!!" when she saw me. It's upsetting seeing who gets chosen to leave the world so early."
"Rest in eternal peace Ms. Pellettiere. My son said it was because of you he stayed in band in high school…you wouldn't let him quit. He had the best experience and loved you as did I ," Michele D'Angelo Clark wrote on Facebook. "Your energy and smile lit up the stage. I loved watching you…your energy, passion, love for your students, and all around kindness. I always admired you and cannot believe this tragedy. The Farmingdale community will forever be changed without you in it. God bless your soul and your son and family."'
In a Facebook post, New York State Field Band Conference shared its love with the Farmingdale community.
"To our Band Family in Farmingdale – We are heartbroken by the news of the bus accident earlier today. Band is a Family and the hearts of all 54 NYSFBC bands are with you during this very difficult time," the post reads.
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The bus accident is under investigation.
New York State Police Lt. Col. Richard Mazzone said preliminary results from the investigation show that a faulty front tire may have contributed to the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board and New York State Police will investigate.
During the news conference, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman shared a message of love with the grieving community.
"The one advice I can give anybody tonight is hug your children very tight," he said. "Life is precious. … Our kids started out today thinking they were going to have a wonderful weekend with their friends."
Farmingdale Senior High School planned to have classes on Friday and to have counselors on hand to help students and staff manage their grief.
