By: Giuliana Sagese
On September 21st, a bus carrying about 40 students and 4 adults from Farmingdale High School crashed, with the unfortunate result of two teachers killed and several students critically injured. These students were a part of the school's marching band on their way to Pennsylvania for an event. The reasoning behind the bus crash is believed to be caused by a lack of proper maintenance and inspection of the vehicle. One parent has filed a lawsuit against the charter firm and driver, claiming both parties were guilty of negligence and careless acts. Furthermore, investigator John Humm states that multiple students were ejected from the bus. The bus had tumbled 50 feet down a steep slope on the highway, landing on its left side with the roof warped. Rescuers had to reach the children with a ladder to get to the windows, where the victims were transported to six different area hospitals. One student, Eugenio, had been woken up from the crash after sleeping on the bus, seeing the casualties next to him, and still having to bravely crawl out of the overturned bus through a window.
Two of the adults, the school's band director Gina Pellettiere and the school's retired social studies teacher Beatrice Ferrari, woefully didn’t survive the crash. Ferrari is described by her peers as the “heart and soul of their marching band program”, and Pellettiere as the joy of the school, bringing entertainment and excitement. One Farmingdale teacher I interviewed, Rosalia Wines, states, “Gina Pelletieri was a dear friend of mine. Her smile and her sweet personality lit up any room she walked into. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. Her family, friends, and students were very important to her. I will cherish the times we spent together in school and outside of school. Gina will always have a special place in my heart.” Our community’s heart goes out to all who were shaken by this tragic event and lost those in the accident.
The Carey varsity cheer team showing their support for Farmingdale through #dalerstrong on instagram, @careyvarsitycheer
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