On March 24th 1972, a school bus transporting Nyack High School students was hit by a freight train on Gilchrest Road in Congers. Five students were killed and many more were injured. This tragic accident made national news and resulted in changes across the United States regarding school bus safety and rail crossings. 50 years later, the Town of Clarkstown held a ceremony at Congers Lake Memorial Park to commemorate the 50th anniversary and dedicate a new plaque in honor of the victims.Clarkstown will never forget:
Jimmy McGuiness (17)
Richard Macaylo (18)
Bobby Mauterer (14)
Thomas Grosse (14)
Stephen Ward (16)
Thank you to Clarkstown DEFM, Clarkstown Police Department, Nyack Public Schools, Dr. Geller and Montefiore Nyack Hospital, Congers Fire Department and especially Bill Thomsen, a survivor who delivered beautiful remarks at the ceremony.