Two dead, more than 40 injured in Orange County bus accident

Updated by Peter Katz of Westfair at 6:20 p.m.

Includes coverage by Rob Frehse, Artemis Moshtaghian and Christina Maxouris of CNN Wire, copyrighted by CNN.

At least two people were killed and 40 injured when a bus headed to a band camp event ran off Interstate 84 in the town of Wawayanda in Orange County. The bus rolled over and went down a ravine and was on its side.

Both of the dead were reported by New York State Police to have been adults. The police said that I-84 was closed in both directions as of about 6:20 and would remain closed for several hours as the investigation continues. The state police said that a front tire of the bus appeared to have played a role in the accident.

The bus carried four adults and 40 students. At least five people were reported to be hospitalized in critical condition. The injured were taken to a half dozen local hospitals.

Gov. Hochul speaks at briefing on bus accident.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke at a police briefing on the accident and said that all of New York is in mourning because of the accident.

“We are grateful for the first responders whose speedy action saved lives and we will continue to support them however necessary,” the governor added. “Our hearts are with all who are impacted by this horrific situation.”

The bus was carrying students from Farmingdale High School in Long Island and was headed to a music event for band camp, a spokesperson from the high school confirmed to CNN.

The bus was on its way to Greeley, Pennsylvania, the school said in a statement.

“We were informed that there had been an accident with Bus 1 en route to Greeley, PA for band camp,” Farmingdale High School spokesperson Jake Mendlinger told CNN. “Police and emergency responders are on the scene, as well as district administration.”

The bus was one of six headed to a band camp event in Pennsylvania, the Farmingdale School District said in a statement Thursday afternoon.

Aerial pictures from CNN affiliates show a passenger bus in the woods, in the median, between the eastbound and westbound roads.

Emergency vehicles and officials were along the highway above the crash site and a medical helicopter was also parked on the highway nearby.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the bus crash and their families,” Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said in a statement to CNN. “I would also like to thank all of the first responders for their immediate response, service and dedication.”