News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local News
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files

'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

Updated

Share:

More Stories

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.

MicrosoftTeams-image.png

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

More Stories

Top Stories

01:22
blaise new windsor

New Windsor man charged with murder in neighbor dispute shooting

02:01
pick of the week HV

After a cold start, milder & pleasant conditions arrive for the Pick Of The Week!

00:22
Screenshot 2026-04-10 053257

Massive blaze destroys home and sparks brush fire in Orange County

00:52
AP26097509348086

Artemis II's grand moon finale is almost here with a Pacific splashdown to cap NASA's lunar comeback

00:22
4102026WCarrest_2026-04-10-05-19-42

Alleged attack on child in Red Hook leads to arrest and court appearance

00:44
Screenshot 2026-04-10 083941

Democratic candidate drops out of race to challenge Congressman Mike Lawler

02:04
0409poughkeepsiedemolition_2026-04-09-22-11-56

Multifamily Poughkeepsie home to be demolished after it was deemed unsafe

00:27
4102026ARMONKASSAULTGUILTYPLEA_2026-04-10-05-39-48

Armonk man pleads guilty in attack on New Castle police officer

01:55
Screenshot 2026-04-10 053924

Family seeks answers after saying brother died in Yonkers police custody

06:24
a6adc303-145e-448f-afdb-f7827f75159c

‘I feel like a superhero.' Bronx teacher by day, New York sumo wrestler by night

02:03
MTWCFixHudson0409_2026-04-09-18-05-02

Rockland commuter launches website to track "no show" Hudson Link buses

01:00
0409damarfieldsvosot_2026-04-09-22-15-00

Charges dropped for man roughed up during arrest by Peekskill PD; civil action against police dept forthcoming

01:43
MTWCYonkersGeese0409_2026-04-09-18-07-03

Workers at Yonkers-based IHOP look after parking lot geese for third consecutive year

03:41
erikduransentencingCM_2026-04-09-17-10-34

Former NYPD sergeant sentenced to 3 to 9 years for killing Bronx man with cooler

01:37
Screenshot 2026-04-09 171523

Matthew Morrison brings Bobby Darin to life in 'Just In Time'

00:28
492026WC12rape_2026-04-09-12-40-46

Brewster man taken into custody on rape charge following reported juvenile assault

00:55
Screenshot 2026-04-09 123228

Charges eased for man seen in controversial Peekskill police encounter

00:20
4092026SPRINGVALLEYCRASH_2026-04-09-05-42-47

Pedestrian seriously injured after car crashes into Spring Valley building

01:54
492026WCrt_2026-04-09-06-44-19

Road Trip Close to Home: History comes alive inside Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library

00:26
4092026MEETCHILDFORSEX_2026-04-09-05-37-31

Upstate man facing federal charges for trying to meet teen for sex in Orange County

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices