On Thursday, September 21, tragedy befell Orange County NY, taking two lives and severely harming five students when a bus, filled with high school students from Farmingdale High School, had a rollover accident on I-84 close to Exit 15 around 1:10 p.m.
The bus was one of several transporting band, cheerleading, and dance students from Farmingdale High School, located in Nassau County on Long Island, to a band camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, an abrupt and severe malfunction in Wawayanda, potentially linked to a faulty front tire as suggested by early reports, resulted in one of the buses breaking through the wire barrier and descending a 50-foot slope.
If this bus accident has impacted you, Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP is here to help. Our seasoned personal injury lawyers stand ready to help you obtain compensation for medical bills, cover ongoing and future medical care expenses, and face the future with confidence. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced attorneys, contact us today by calling 1-800-568-7500 or filling out our online contact form.
A shocked Long Island community mourns
The accident sent tremors of disbelief across the area, deeply affecting the close-knit community of Farmingdale, located approximately 40 miles from New York City. As the community mourns, Governor Kathy Hochul referred to the episode as “a day filled with dread.” State Senator James Skoufis expressed his shock upon hearing about the accident and conveyed his deep thanks to the emergency teams who promptly arrived on the scene.
The individuals who tragically lost their lives were a 43-year-old from Massapequa, the band director for Farmingdale High School, and a 77-year-old resident of Farmingdale. The other passengers, comprising 40 students and four adults, endured the dreadful scene up close, with five students ending up in a critical condition.
What caused the Farmingdale bus accident?
Local officials and authorities continue in their efforts to determine the root cause of the accident, leading to an extended closure of I-84 to carefully collect evidence and determine any contributing factors. While Governor Hochul’s initial remarks hinted at a defective tire, thorough investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and New York State Police are ongoing.
Just how common are bus crash accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, there are over 100 fatalities in the United States every year caused by accidents involving school buses.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation
Have you been impacted by the Farmingdale High School bus accident? If so, the expertise of our experienced personal injury lawyers will be critical as you recover and try to move forward. We offer free consultations with our attorneys so that we can help you better understand your legal options and the strength of your case. For more information, call Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP at 1-800-568-7500 or fill out our contact form today.
