At least one dead, 45 hurt, after bus carrying band camp kids rolled down embankment

Officials in Orange County, New York, are responding to a major fatality bus crash that occurred Thursday afternoon.

The crash occurred around 1:30 p.m. near Wawayanda, New York.

Officials say that a charter bus was carrying Farmingdale High School students en route to a band camp event in Greeley, Pennsylvania when the bus overturned on westbound I-84.

The bus rolled down an embankment and came to a stop in a wooded area off the interstate.

ABC7NY reports at least one person is dead and five others are critically injured. Approximately 40 others are reported injured.

The bus was one of six in a caravan transporting around 300 students.

The New York State Department of Transportation issued a statement regarding the operating status of the bus driver and company:

“The vehicle operator, Regency Transportation of Nesconset, N.Y., has valid operating authority from the State Department of Transportation and a valid semi-annual inspection. The driver is properly licensed.”

“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,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

I-84 west is closed at Exit 15.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by police.