'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, 10:48 AM

Updated 308 days ago

Share:

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. 
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.
"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.
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 from News 12
1:49
Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

Bridgeport church reported finding hundreds of hypodermic needles on parish property this week

1:34
Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

Sunny this weekend, chance of storms next week

2:13
‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

‘You know who I am?’ Police video shows Bridgeport councilman’s ‘combative’ traffic stop

0:26
Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

Boat Camp introduces kids to the beauty of Long Island Sound

0:16
Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

Police: Norwalk man arrested for committing lewd acts against a family member in San Diego

2:33
Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

Can swimming become dangerous due to extremely high water surface temperatures?

0:42
 Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

Real Deal: Natural gas, rent and medical care continue to increase in Connecticut

0:20
Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

Little boy helps rescue dog in Stratford

0:51
Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Norwalk celebrates 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

1:57
'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

'It's powerful.' NHL stars participate in Stamford fundraiser to raise awareness of suicide prevention

2:08
63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

63rd annual summer book sale begins at Pequot Library in Southport

0:31
Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

Shelton homeowner faces charges after illegal fireworks cause fire to escalate

1:57
Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

Bridgeport Police Department swears in dozens of new recruits

2:00
Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

Harris campaign highlights challenges female candidates face in CT

0:14
Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

Officials: West Nile virus confirmed in mosquitoes collected from Danbury testing site

0:56
Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

Free life jacket station unveiled at Lake Simmons in Greenwich

0:43
Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

Connecticut resident awarded Caregiver of the Year award at BrightStar Care in Norwalk

0:32
Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

Connecticut State Police rescue ducks from Interstate-91 in Hartford

2:46
Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

Main Street Connecticut: Showcasing the best of Weston

0:56
Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park

Norwalk unveils new playground at Flax Hill Park