Hyde Park, NY (January 15, 2025) – A serious multi-vehicle collision involving a school bus carrying Hyde Park students occurred Tuesday afternoon on Route 9, Albany Post Rd, resulting in significant injuries to one driver and minor injuries to several others, including students.
Emergency responders, including the Hyde Park Fire Department and Northern Dutchess Paramedics, were quick to the scene, providing care to those injured in the crash. The accident was reported shortly after 3 p.m. and led to extensive road closures between Scenic Dr and Huyler Dr until approximately 8:30 p.m.
According to preliminary investigations by Hyde Park Police and the New York State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit, a southbound pickup truck rear-ended a car on Route 9. The impact forced the car into the northbound lane, where it collided head-on with a school bus carrying 11 students and one bus aide. The pickup continued southbound, striking another car and causing it to veer off the roadway into a residential fence.
The driver of the car struck by the pickup, a 28-year-old Poughkeepsie resident, was trapped in their vehicle and had to be extricated by first responders. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital. The driver of the pickup, a 41-year-old Red Hook resident, was not injured, while a 61-year-old Wingdale resident, whose vehicle struck the fence, was taken to Vassar Brothers Medical Center for evaluation.
Although some students aboard the school bus suffered minor injuries, they, along with the 45-year-old bus driver and bus aide, were transported to local hospitals as a precaution. Superintendent Pedro Roman of the Hyde Park Central School District assured families that counseling services are available to support students following the traumatic event.
Police indicated that the pickup truck driver was reportedly distracted by something inside the vehicle moments before the crash. Investigations into the collision are ongoing, with authorities yet to determine if charges will be filed.
Our thoughts go to the victims as we hope for their recovery.
School Bus Accidents in New York
School bus accidents, though relatively rare, pose significant safety concerns due to the potential for injuries to children and other vulnerable individuals. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school buses are among the safest vehicles on the road. However, accidents involving other vehicles, particularly due to distracted or reckless driving, remain a pressing issue.
In New York, distracted driving is a major contributing factor to accidents. The state has implemented strict laws to combat distracted driving, including penalties for using electronic devices while driving. Despite these measures, incidents like the Route 9 collision highlight the need for continued vigilance and adherence to road safety protocols.
Drivers are urged to remain focused at all times, particularly near school zones or buses, to prevent tragic outcomes. Parents and guardians should also ensure children understand safe practices when boarding or exiting school buses.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.