A charter bus carrying schoolchildren to a band camp crashed on a New York highway on Thursday, killing one person and hurting dozens of others, police said.
The wreck happened on Interstate 84 in the town of Wawayanda, about 45 miles (72km) north-west of New York City, state police said.
At least five people were badly hurt and in hospital in critical condition, the Orange county executive, Steve Neuhaus, told WNBC-TV.
News footage showed ripped-up grass on an embankment and the bus lying on its left side with its roof warped. A ladder allowed rescuers to reach the bus’s windows.
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 north-eastern Pennsylvania, according to a message from the school district.
Video taken from news helicopters showed the bus lying on its side in trees and shrubs in the median between the westbound and eastbound sides of the highway.
News footage showed emergency vehicles on the highway, which was closed in both directions.
The governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, issued a statement of support for victims and gave thanks to first responders.
“We are grateful for the first responders whose speedy action saved lives and we will continue to support them however necessary. Our hearts are with all who are impacted by this horrific situation,” she said.
