Authorities have identified the driver of the bus as Lisa Schaffer, 59, from Centereach, New York.
New York State Police have released an update into their ongoing investigation into a tragic accident that took place in Orange County on September 21 after a charter bus from Farmingdale Senior High School on Long Island tumbled from Interstate 84 and down a 50-foot ravine, resulting in two deaths and dozens of injuries.
The incident took place just after 1 p.m. near Exit 15 in the town of Wawayanda; the bus that crashed – a front tire failure is believed to be the cause – was one of six bound for a band camp located in Greeley, Pennsylvania.
Two adults were killed: Farmingdale High School band director Gina Pellettiere, age 43, of Massapequa, and Beatrice Ferrari, a 77-year-old Farmingdale resident who taught social studies at the school for over 26 years.
In addition, 43 people were injured, mostly students, with five rushed to local areas hospitals in critical condition.
On Tuesday, State Police revealed that “the five students who were listed in critical condition are all recovering and downgraded to less critical care.”
In addition, authorities have identified the driver of the bus as Lisa Schaffer, 59, from Centereach, New York.
The investigation is ongoing.
