Wawayanda fatal bus crash closes Interstate 84 Thursday afternoon: What we know

Sarah Eames and Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY NETWORK
Updated ·2 min read
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Read our updated story: 'There are families grieving today': NYSP reveal possible cause of I-84 bus crash

Interstate 84 is shut down to westbound traffic near Middletown after a bus filled with high school students crashed Thursday afternoon.

A spokesman for the New York State Police confirmed to USA TODAY at least one person had died in the crash but declined to provide additional details pending further investigation.

The bus was one of six in a caravan carrying students from Farmingdale High School on Long Island to a band camp in Greeley, in northeastern Pennsylvania, according to a message from the school district.

Both lanes were closed shortly after 1:30 p.m. Thursday, according to 511NY.

At 1:40 p.m., New York State Police posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that troopers were investigating the scene of the crash in the town of Wawayanda. Westbound traffic would be closed, troopers said, at exit 15A, and was expected to be closed "for several hours." As of 5 p.m., the eastbound lane had reopened.

Where the high school bus crash took place

New York governor on I-84 bus crash

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said New York State Police have been joined by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services at the scene.

"We are grateful for the first responders whose speedy action saved lives and we will continue to support them however necessary," Hochul said in a statement. "Our hearts are with all who are impacted by this horrific situation."

Live updates: Farmingdale High School band bus crash on I-84 in New York kills one

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said a Family Reunification/Information Center has been established for the families of the victims of the bus crash at the SUNY Orange County Community College, 115 South St., Middletown.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those impacted by this accident."

"I am deeply grateful to the many emergency responders deployed at the scene, the medical professionals in local facilities attending to those injured, and for the support of our New York State Police, Orange County Emergency Services, and the Red Cross," said State Senator James Skoufis. "This group of students set out today without any inclination of what lay ahead; their lives, and the lives of their families, will never be the same.”

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Bus carrying Farmingdale, NY students crashes on I-84: What we know