NTSB Investigating New York Charter Bus Crash
The bus, carrying Farmingdale High School students to a marching band camp in Pennsylvania, may have suffered a faulty front tire before it rolled over into a 50-foot ravine off the side of Interstate 84. Two adult passengers died in the accident.

Initial findings suggest the wreck, which killed two Farmingdale High School faculty members and injured several other passengers, may have been caused at least in part by a faulty front tire.
Image: Canva
The National Transportation Safety Board is working with the New York State Police to investigate the cause of a Sept. 21 rollover crash of a charter bus carrying high school students to a marching band event in Pennsylvania.
The NTSB reported in a social media post that its investigators would be on the scene Sept. 22.
The NTSB, in coordination with the New York State Police, is sending a team to conduct a safety investigation into Thursday's rollover crash on Interstate 84 in Wawayanda, New York. Team will arrive on scene Friday morning.
— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) September 21, 2023
At least two adults died and several other passengers were injured – five critically – when the charter bus carrying 40 students from Farmingdale High School and four adults went off Interstate 84 in Wayawanda and rolled down a 50-foot ravine.
During a news conference on Thursday, investigators said a faulty front tire on the bus might’ve contributed to the wreck.
“They say grief is the price you pay for love,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul during the conference, which was broadcast on ABC7NY and other networks. “We have families, we have a school, school district, county, even an entire state that is grieving at this time.”
The charter bus was one of six taking students to an annual band camp in Greeley, Penn.
The adults killed in the accident have been identified as Gina Pellettiere, 43, and Beatrice Ferrari, 77. Both were music faculty members at Farmingdale High.
“It is difficult to express the sadness and grief that the Farmingdale School District and I feel over the tragic events that unfolded earlier and the horrific experience our students endured,” said Paul Defendini, school superintendent. “We deeply mourn the passing of our inspiring faculty and band director, Gina Pellittiere, and the heart and soul of our marching band program, Beatrice ‘Bea’ Ferarri.”
More Safety

From Reactive to Proactive: Making Every Ride Visible
Smart technology only delivers its full value when it works together. See how Catalyst connects proven industry platforms to move student transportation from reactive to proactive.
Read More →
HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud Warns Motorists of Stopped School Buses
Through a transponder or Samsara connection, the product lets school bus fleets send advance warnings to approaching drivers through in-vehicle alerts.
Read More →
HopSkipDrive Reports Progress on Safety Advisory Council
More than a year after forming the council, independent safety experts have helped shape new rider-safety features and policy progress, with a new goal to address rider behavior.
Read More →
What the 2026 National School Bus Safety Month Resolution Means for Student Transportation
The bipartisan resolution highlights illegal school bus passing, student safety during loading and unloading, and the need for driver training and public education.
Read More →
School Bus Stop-Arm Violations Decline 53% Across Verra Mobility Programs
Verra Mobility shares how school bus stop-arm cameras and school zone safety programs are changing driver behavior, reducing violations, and protecting students.
Read More →
Most Bus Crashes Aren’t Your Fault. Here’s How to Prove It.
A guide for what to do in between a school bus crash and a claim: what to preserve, who to notify, and how to keep the facts available when they matter.
Read More →
National School Bus Safety Week 2026: Tips, Toolkits & Resources to Keep Students Safe
School bus safety takes more than awareness. Explore expert tips, enforcement strategies, and free resources to help protect students on every ride.
Read More →
2 Killed, Dozens Injured in Florida School Bus Crash
A multi-vehicle collision caused a Polk County school bus carrying 37 students to overturn on its way to Winter Haven High School.
Read More →
Illegal School Bus Passing Drops 24% in New York Districts
With fewer than 5% of citations involving repeat offenders, Westchester County officials said enforcement, education, and community partnerships are helping change driver behavior.
Read More →
School's Back. Here's What Happened to Traffic, Speeding & Distraction
What happens to traffic when school resumes? New data analysis examines changes in distracted driving, congestion, and speeding around schools.
Read More →

