[01-14-2025] – Serious School Bus Accident in Hyde Park, New York

Hyde Park, NY – A significant multi-vehicle collision involving a school bus has left several individuals hospitalized, including 11 middle school students. The incident prompted the closure of a portion of Route 9 in Hyde Park, New York, for several hours as emergency responders worked to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, which occurred shortly after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14th.

The accident took place near the intersection of 4699 Albany Post Rd and Scenic Drive. According to a press release from the Town of Hyde Park Police Department, the incident involved four vehicles, including a school bus with children from the Hyde Park School District.

Hyde Park officers were dispatched at 3:17 p.m. to the scene of the crash. Their preliminary investigation indicated that the collision involved a Honda Accord driven by 61-year-old Lynne M. Bondi from Wingdale, and a Hyundai operated by 28-year-old Joshua Ortiz from Poughkeepsie, both of whom were traveling southbound on State Route 9.

Additionally, a Dodge Ram Pickup driven by 41-year-old Justin A. Angier from Red Hook was also traveling southbound when he reportedly became distracted by something within his truck. Allegedly taking his attention off the road, Angier rear-ended the Hyundai, propelling it into the northbound lane where it collided with the school bus operated by 45-year-old Brandy Gilleo from Hyde Park.

After striking the Hyundai, the Dodge Ram continued its path southbound on Route 9 and crashed into the Honda Accord, which then veered off the roadway and smashed into a nearby residential fence, according to police reports.

Joshua Ortiz became trapped in his vehicle and was extricated by the Hyde Park Fire Department. He sustained serious injuries and was subsequently transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital by Northern Dutchess Paramedics. Meanwhile, Lynne Bondi was taken to Vassar Hospital for evaluation. Fortunately, Justin Angier reported no injuries and declined medical attention.

In the aftermath of the accident, Hyde Park Central School Superintendent Pedro Roman arrived at the scene alongside a team of school personnel to support the 11 students and one aide who were on the bus at the time of the incident. The students, reportedly from Haviland Middle School, were later transported for evaluation at hospitals in Poughkeepsie.

This incident is currently under ongoing investigation.