All students injured in a bus crash in New York are expected to recover, the superintendent says
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (AP) — All high school students injured in a charter bus accident in upstate New York on the way to band camp are expected to recover, according to their principal.
The bus, one of six carrying students from Farmingdale High School on Long Island, came off Interstate 84 and overturned mid-Thursday in the town of Wawayanda, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northwest of New York City. Two adults died and other passengers were seriously injured.
Paul Defendini, superintendent of Farmingdale schools, said in a statement Saturday that some of the injured students were still struggling, but all were expected to recover, Newsday reported.
“I know they appreciate all the good wishes you send us, and we can’t wait to welcome them back when they are ready to return,” Defendini said.
The crashed bus was carrying 40 students and four adults to a band camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania, about a 30-minute drive from the accident site.
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It was not immediately clear Sunday how many people remained in area hospitals or what their health status was. Messages were left with state and local officials. State police said Saturday that five passengers remained in critical condition. A total of 16 students and two adults were hospitalized Friday.
The two adults who died were band director Gina Pellettiere, 43, of Massapequa, and Beatrice Ferrari, 77, of Farmingdale, a retired teacher who was a chaperone on the trip.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Thursday that a puncture could be responsible, but the NTSB said it was premature to speculate.
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