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'It was shocking.' Fatal bus crash leaves Farmingdale community shaken

The Farmingdale mayor tells News 12 they are focused on surrounding the community with support.

News 12 Staff

Sep 22, 2023, 6:48 AM

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People in Farmingdale have been devastated by the bus rollover crash Thursday that killed two members of the school community.

"I couldn't believe what happened," said Farmingdale resident Walter Celenski. 

MORE: Federal investigators to probe deadly Orange County bus accident

Celenski's children graduated from Farmingdale High School, and he was distraught when he heard about Thursday's deadly bus crash in Orange County. "I don't know what to say. My kids went there. I know them, I know everybody at the school, my kids played sports there, it's a really close family."

A spokesperson from Mayor Ralph Ekstand's office tells News 12 the village is heartbroken and the whole community is shaken but trying to be super supportive. 

Band teams and athletic departments in other Long Island school districts are showing their love and support on social media posting the #DalerStrong.

Further Coverage: Emergency officials: At least 1 dead, 5 critical in Orange County crash involving bus used by Farmingdale School District

"I have children in high school, so obviously it's a tragedy. Hopefully, the kids will be all right, and it's a shame about the two staff members," said George Folise from North Babylon.

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The band was heading to Pine Forest Camp, in Greeley, Pennsylvania. In a statement released Friday, the camp said, “Our hearts go out to the families affected by this terrible accident and we express our heartfelt thanks to those first responders who aided in the rescue. Many organizations rent our camp facilities throughout the year. Farmingdale High School Band has been a wonderful and welcomed group that has rented our camp for many years.”

MORE: Three critically injured students from bus crash fighting for life at Westchester Medical Center

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