1934 — July 22, Bus with defective brakes runs off road, Burns, Ossining, NY –19-20

–19-20  Blanchard estimated range.[1]   –21  Marchant, R. “70 years ago to the day in Ossining NY.” Journal News, NY, 7-22-2004. –20  Brooklyn Daily Eagle, “Jury Frees 3 in Bus Crash That Killed 20.” 10-19-1935, p. 1. –20  Herald Statesman, Yonkers NY. “Bus Official Freed on Bail in Crash Case.” 3-25-1935, p4 –20  Kingston Daily Freeman, NY. “Extra Session Worth Cost to the Taxpayers…” 8-20-1934, 1. –20  Middletown Times Herald, NY. “Speedier…Motorcars Increase Accidents…” 9-4-1934, 2. –19  Citizen-Advertiser, Auburn, NY. “Says Death Bus Carried False Plates.” 8-2-1934, p. 8. –19  Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY. “Harnett Recommends Regulation.” 7-28-1934, p. 1. –19  Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY. “Sift Charges of Witness in Bus Accident…” 10-9-1934, 8 –19  Kingston Daily Freeman, NY. “Movement…Police Powers to…Inspectors.” 7-26-1934, 1 –19  Kingston Daily Freeman, NY. “Resume Hearing in Bus Disaster.” 8-1-1934, p. 1. –19  Middletown Times Herald, NY. “Drive on Buses Halts Machines…” 7-30-1934, p. 12. –19  National Fire Protection Assoc. Spreadsheet on Large Loss of Life Fires (as of Feb 2003). –19  Ogden Standard-Examiner (UT). “Other Major Bus Crashes,” December 2, 1938, p. 7-A. –19  Ossining Historical Society Museum. “1934 Bus Accident in Ossining.” 7-20-2013 Facebook. –19  Salamanca Republican-Press, NY. “Mechanic Testifies Bus…False Plates.” 8-3-1934, p.1 –19  Syracuse Herald, NY. “Defendant in Bus Death Case Breaks…on Stand.” 10-6-1934, 1. –18  Syracuse Herald, NY. “Indictments are Sought in Bus Tragedy.” 7-24-1934, p. 1. –18  Syracuse Herald, NY. “Bus Tragedy Inquiry Asked in Legislature.” 7-25-1934, p. 12.   Narrative Information   July 23:  “Ossining, N.Y., July 23 (AP) — Sudden and horrible death which rode to Sing Sing yesterday with…[number unclear, looks like 280]  merrymakers of a Brooklyn young folks Democratic outing was under investigation today, with criminal prosecution probable for those responsible for the fatal burning of 15 persons and searing injury of 23 others in a plunging bus.   “Medical examiner Amos O. Squire continued at Ossining police headquarters and Ossining Hospital questioning survivors who escaped from an old New Jersey bus that careened down Main street hill with slipping brakes, shot up the ramp across the New York Central tracks to the station plaza, and plunged off 30 feet into a lumber yard.   “Gasoline blazed, trapping 40 men, women and children inside the bus, and set fire to the Washburne & Todd Lumber and Coal Company, destroying two blocks of waterfront property at a loss of $250,000.   “District Attorney Frank H. Coyne joined the medical examiner in the inquiry, seized four of the seven busses which had transported members of a baseball club that was to play the prison team with their relatives and friends, called them ‘junk’ and ‘death contraptions,’ and set about locating the owners and operators.  The bus driver, who perished in the flames, was hired in Brooklyn for the day to drive the unfamiliar bus which Dr. Squire said he had learned was 10 years old. List of Known Dead…all of Brooklyn [16]:   Frank Imperato, 28, driver of the ill-fated bus… Mrs. Rose Thompson… Mrs. William Hayes… [Died in hospital.][2] Mr. Joseph McDonald… Mrs. Joseph [Catherine] McDonald… Bernadette McDonald, 12, their daughter. Mrs. John McNicholas… Jon  [or John] McNicholas, Jr., 25, her son… [Died in hospital.][3] Joseph Meaney… Abraham Galier… [or Geller; died in hospital][4] . (UP, July 23 (Times Evening Herald, Olean NY)] John Reitmeyer…   Five unidentified, believed to include   Mrs. Gailer;    [Identified as fatality (UP, July 23 (Times Evening Herald, Olean NY)] Mr. James Murray… [Identified as fatality (UP, July 23 (Times Evening Herald, Olean NY)] Mrs. James Murray…[Identified as fatality (UP, July 23 (Times Evening Herald, Olean NY)] Arthur Luff [Identified as a fatality (UP, July 23 (Times Evening Herald, Olean NY)] [Sister of Joseph Meany; (United Press, July 23, Times Evening Herald, Olean, NY.)]   Critically burned:   Thomas McGuire, Sr. … Daniel McCann….”   [On July 24. 18th body recovered (from Hudson River at foot of hill where crash occurred.)][5]   (Kingston Daily Freeman, NY. “District Attorney States Bus Which Carried 16 Persons to Their Deaths Was ‘Junk” and “Death Contraption. Criminal Prosecution is Probable for Those Responsible for Deaths. 21 Others Burned.” 7-23-1934, p. 1.)   July 24:  “White Plains, July 24 (AP). – District Attorney Frank H. Coyne announced today that indictment of ‘several persons’ on charges of manslaughter will be asked of the Westchester County Grand Jury tomorrow as an outgrowth of the outing bus crash which cost 16 lives Sunday.   “White Plains, July 24 (UP). – State, county and city officials met with Motor Vehicle Commissioner Charles A. Harnett today to decide what official action would be taken in Sunday’s bus tragedy in which almost a score were killed and many injured.   “As Ossining police dragged a lumber yard slip near the scene of the tragedy, from which the body of the 18th known victim was recovered today, the commissioners conferred secretly with Westchester County Medical Examiner Amos O. Squire, District Attorney Frank H. Coyne and Capt. Charles Kemmler of the State police.  All of the conference participants declined to discuss possible action against the bus company.  Inquest conducted by Squire yesterday developed that the bus, nine years old, had careened madly down an Ossining hill and through a viaduct.   “Witnesses testified that the frantic efforts of the driver, Frank Incarnato, to halt the wild ride were futile. Neither his foot nor hand brakes were in working order.”  (Syracuse Herald, NY. “Indictments are Sought in Bus Tragedy…Deaths of 18…All Brakes Out of Order in Ossining Accident, Witnesses Say.” 7-24-1934, p. 1.)   July 25: “A legislative investigation of the bus crash at Ossining Sunday which cost 18 lives was proposed today by Senator George Blumberg, Brooklyn Republican. Blumberg introduced a resolution proposing the appointment of three Senators and four Assemblymen.  If the resolution is adopted, this joint committee will be directed:  
  1. To investigate causes of the accident, and determine the persons, firms or corporations involved.
  2. To investigate the failure of any public officials to perform their duty.
  3. To recommend any legislation to prevent such tragedies in the future.
  “The resolution called attention to the fact that Governor Lehman last May vetoed the Goodrich bill which proposed annual inspection of all motor vehicles.  ‘This might have prevented the accident,’ the resolution said.   “Faulty brakes were believed to have caused the bus to run away with its 50 passengers, on an Ossining hill.  It crashed, flaming, into a lumber yard and was destroyed.   “Governor Lehman vetoed the Goodrich bill because it called for inspection by private garages which he thought might have withheld certificates of approval until unreasonable repairs were made.   “‘It appears,’ the resolution said, ‘that the accident was due to inadequate equipment, as required by the laws of this State, and…that doubt exists concerning the ownership of the motor bus and the identity of those responsible.’  The resolution cited provisions of law requiring proper equipment and directing the superintendent of State Police to order motor vehicle inspections, and continued ‘Complete authority to enforce the law is given to the commissioner of motor vehicles….   “The Governor is known to feel that this is one way the highways can be made safer for bus passengers as well as motorists.  He said two months ago he favored having any inspection done by public officials and not by private agencies….   “New York, July 24 (UP). – Five men were arrested by New York police for questioning today in connection with the bus crash in Ossining Sunday which took 18 lives.  The arrests were at the request of Westchester County authorities. State, city and county officials, cooperated in a general inquiry into bus line ownerships, regulations and mechanical efficiency.   “District Attorney Frank Coyne of Westchester announced he was prepared to demand manslaughter indictments against persons responsible for operation of the fatal bus, said by survivors to have been antiquated and defective.   “Those arrested were: Nicolo Demarco, garage manager of the Rialto Bus Line, from which the fatal bus was chartered; John Sanseverro, said to be a chauffeur for the line; Andrew Sebranko, a mechanic, and Alfred Rower, a helper.  The fifth person under arrest was suspected of removing the bus self-starter from the scene of the crash, apparently to hide evidence, police said.  A sixth man, believed to have removed a part of the transmission, is sought.  Police said both these men were believed to be connected with the company. The suspects were taken to Westchester County jail.” (Syracuse Herald, NY. “Bus Tragedy Inquiry Asked in Legislature. Ossining Crash Revives Movement for State Auto Inspection. Blame Faulty Brakes. Brooklyn Republican Proposes Legislative Investigation.” 7-25-1934, p. 12.)   July 26:  “Albany, N.Y., July 26. (AP) – While Governor Lehman studied the report of the Ossining bus tragedy today, a movement was begun by assemblyman Emerson D. Fite of Dutchess county to restore police powers to the state’s force of motor vehicle inspectors.  Assemblyman Fite, a Republican, asked Governor Lehman to broaden the special session of the Legislature to permit a law to be passed restoring the old ‘Brownie patrol’ to the highways. ‘If put to work again they would relieve the people of the state of the grave apprehensions that now rest on them because of the well known lack of motor inspection,’ Mr. Fite told the governor. He prepared to re-introduce a bill making this change. Such a measure was vetoed by Governor Lehman last spring. The motor vehicle inspectors had police powers and authority to inspect all motor vehicles prior to 1927, when the state government was reorganized.   Bus Seized at Albany   “The driver of a large passenger bus operated by the Town and Country Bus Line, involved in the Ossining tragedy last Sunday, was held by police today. Mechanics found a brake shoe missing. Chief of Police Dave Smurl declared the driver, Robert Hennessey, would be charged with operating a car with inadequate safety equipment. The bus…was seized in response to an appeal broadcast by District Attorney Frank Coyne of Westchester county. Coyne is investigating the Ossining accident in which 19 persons were killed. The license plates from the seized bus were sent to the state license bureau to be checked as to ownership qualifications.   “The car impounded here was carrying the Fletcher Henderson negro orchestra to Mariaville for a dance tonight….” (Kingston Daily Freeman, NY. “Movement is Begun to Restore Police Powers to Vehicle Inspectors.” 7-26-1934, p. 1.)   July 28: “Albany (AP) — Motor Vehicle Commissioner Charles A. Harnett today was preparing recommendations to strengthen New York state bus regulation after he had reported to Governor Lehman two violations were apparent in the bus that crashed at Ossining last Sunday, causing 19 deaths. Harnett said in his report the Town and Bus Corporation had violated the state law in at least two respects by transporting passengers between New York points without being registered in the state and by operating with defective brakes. The corporation owned the vehicle that crashed and burned.” (Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY. “Harnett Recommends Regulation of Busses.” 7-28-1934, p. 1.)   July 30: “New York — More than 150 buses were held in New York today by the strict inspection blockade projected by the Ossining accident July 22 which turned a brakeless bus into a flaming coffin for nineteen. New Jersey Utilities Commission inspectors turned back forty buses yesterday as unsafe or uninsured. Bus operators and organized employes planned protests against prohibition of sightseeing buses from Fifth and Park avenues and Riverside Drive.  Inspectors at tunnel, bridge and ferry exits into New Jersey pressed the safety drive, stopping all uninspected buses for examination while passengers waited.” (Middletown Times Herald, NY. “Drive on Buses Halts Machines at State Line.” 7-30-1934, p. 12.)   July 31: “Albany, July 31 (AP).–Aroused by the Ossining bus crash which cost 20 lives, Gov. Herbert H. Lehman and the New York Legislature moved today to throw new restrictions about trucks and buses for the safety of the traveling public. At Governor Lehman’s suggestion the Legislature took up the following proposals:  
  1. Curb the speed of buses and heavy trucks.
 
  1. Increase the insurance on every bus passenger’s life to $5,000. At present the total insurance on all passengers in each bus is $5,000.
 
  1. Require all buses in undergo inspection by the Public Service Commission and New York City Transit Commission at least three times a year.
 
  1. Reduce the weight of heavy trucks and buses.
  “Governor Lehman recommended new vehicular laws in a special message, and legislators immediately began to introduce bills throwing further safeguards around highway travelers.   “The Governor submitted a recommendation made by Motor Vehicle Commissioner Charles A. Harnett for better inspection of brakes. Harnett suggested that each bus be required by law to be able to stop within a few feet, the stopping distance to be determined by the Legislature. “The present law requires only ‘adequate’ brakes.   “Poor brakes were blamed for the crash of an excursion bus at Ossining July 22. The bus, carrying 50 passengers, ran away on a hill….” (Assoc. Press. “Lehman Asks 4 Laws for Bus Safety.” Syracuse Herald, NY 7-31-1934, p. 9.)   Aug 1: “White Plains, N.Y., Aug. 1 (AP) – The Westchester summer grand jury today resumed consideration of indictments for the fatal Ossining bus wreck. Presentation of evidence was to occupy today and tomorrow, District Attorney Frank H. Coyne said. The district attorney, who plans to ask for at least two manslaughter indictments as the result of the death of 19 Brooklyn persons in the flaming bus, said evidence will not be completely presented today against any individual and that the grand jury will not be asked this afternoon to vote on any indictments.  The vote on indictments will not be taken until after completion of the case sometime tomorrow afternoon.   “The first witness today was Andro Shramko, a mechanic in the Rialto bus garage, East 105th street, who said last week he had been asked to testify falsely about inspecting the bus before its fatal trip.  He said that Nicola D’Amarco, manager of the garage and one of the owners of the Town and Country Bus Company, had ‘coached’ him.  D’Amarco signed a waiver of immunity and testified before the grand jury last Wednesday that he had ordered Shramko to put the bus in shape and that it had been done.” (Kingston Daily Freeman, NY. “Resume Hearing in Bus Disaster.” 8-1-1934, p. 1.)   Aug 2: “New York, Aug. 2 (AP) – Testimony that the bus which crashed at Ossining July 22d, killing 19 persons, carried false license plates, was given today at the opening of an investigation being conducted by Charles A. Harnett, state commissioner of motor vehicles. The hearing concerned the suspension of 32 license plates owned by the Olympic Motor Tours, Inc., and the Town & Country Bus Corporation, which comprised the Rialto bus network. The bus which crashed at Ossining was chartered through the Rialto concern.  Edward Powers, mechanic in the Manhattan garage, where the Rialto vehicles arc maintained, testified the busses were equipped with license plates and insurance stickers indiscriminately as the occasion required. ‘Was it the custom in the garage to use license plates indiscriminately?’ asked Deputy Attorney General Peter J. Brancato. ‘It was,’ Powers replied.  ‘A daily occurrence was for Mr. De Marco to say ‘get a set of plates of put on a car.’  Nicolo De Marco is one of the officials of Rialto.   “Powers added that a supply of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut plates were kept at the garage.   “The Ossining bus was first mentioned by the witness when he said that on July 15 he had been sent to repair it after it had caught fire.  Several persons were injured, not seriously, in the accident, he said.   “On the morning of the Ossining tragedy, Powers testified, De Marco instructed Frank Incarnato, driver who died in the crash, to put license plates on the bus.  Incarnato took a set from the top of a pile – New Jersey tags – said the witness.” (Citizen-Advertiser, Auburn, NY. “Says Death Bus Carried False Plates.” 8-2-1934, p. 8.)   Aug 6: “Albany, N.Y., Aug. 6 (AP). – Led by Alfred T. Davidson, representing the Third Avenue Railway System in New York city, spokesman for bus operators appealed to the legislature today to leave the decision of how much passenger insurance they must carry up to the Public Service Commission. ‘The commission can investigate each case and determine how much indemnity is necessary,’ Davidson said. He opposed various bills introduced as a result of the Ossining bus tragedy requiring insurance up to $5,000 for each passenger plus $75,000 on the passenger group in each large bus. Davidson did not oppose Governor Lehman’s suggestion for strict state inspection of motor bus brakes and other equipment.   “One of the proposed laws requires $2,500 insurance on the life of each passenger in a small bus and up to $25,000 on each passenger in large buses, Davidson said. ‘Why the discrimination?’ he asked the Senate public service committee holding a hearing on bus legislation. ‘Isn’t the life of a passenger in a small bus as valuable as in a large bus.’   “Opposition speakers were called before the committee first. Those favoring more strict bus requirements, were to be heard later.   “One of the proposals under consideration is to limit the speed of buses and heavy trucks o 35 miles an hour. Motor Vehicle Commissioner Charles A. Hartnett told Governor Lehman he had complaints some buses run 75 miles an hour.   Three Surrender   “White Plains, N.Y., Aug. 6 (AP) – The three owners of the bus which ran wild at Ossining three weeks ago, killing 19 persons, surrendered this afternoon to manslaughter indictments charging ‘gross, culpable, criminal negligence.’  They are:   Rudolph Pick, Long Beach, president of the Town and Country Bus Company, subsidiary of the Rialto Bus Corporation.   Charles Neidhardt, Freeport, treasurer of the company.   Nicola D’Amarco, New York city, manager of the Rialto Bus Garage, East 105th street.   “Neidhardt and D’Amarco were arraigned at 1 o’clock and pleaded not guilty. Bail of $50,000 was asked for their release pending trial in October but fixing of the amount of the bonds was delayed pending arraignment of Pick for whom Humphrey J. Lynch appeared as counsel. The defendants said they would not be able to furnish the high bail and probably will have to remain in the county jail.   “The men came from New York after District Attorney Frank H. Coyne by telephone this morning informed their attorney, Max Greenberg, that the indictments had been filed in supreme court. They were joined here by Benjamin Margolis of New Rochelle, associate counsel.   “After waiting an hour for Pick, Mr. Coyne led the three men before Justice William B. Bleakley to plead to the blanket indictment which charged two counts of manslaughter against each – first degree because the bus was being operated with defective brakes and without proper insurance, and second because ‘gross, culpable, criminal negligence’ was shown in its condition.   “Sentence from 10 to 20 years in prison is the penalty for conviction of first degree manslaughter and from 5 to 10 years for the lesser degree.” (Kingston Daily Freeman, NY. “Bus Operators Appeal to Legislature to Give Commission Powers…Three Owners of Ossining Death Bus Surrender to Manslaughter Indictments.” 8-6-1934, p. 1.)   Aug 7: “Albany — Prompt action by the Senate on legislation designed to strengthen the state highway laws to prevent reoccurrence of the Ossining bus disaster which claimed nineteen lives, appeared certain today. The public service committee was to report favorably several bills recommended by Governor Lehman and the state motor vehicle commissioner, Charles H. Harnett.  Only one of the proposals advanced by the Governor was opposed by bus companies at a public hearing. Under the measure proposed insurance coverage would be increased from $5,000 to as much as $75,000 in some instances.   “A bill providing semi-annual inspection of buses drew the support of many bus companies. Edward F. Ronan, representing the Triple-Cities Traction Company, said enactment of the bill would ‘drive fly-by-night buses from the roads.’ ”  (Middletown Times Herald, NY. “New Bus Law Held Certain This Session.” 8-7-1934, p. 2.)   Aug 18: “The first evidence taken in the inquiry regarding the Ossining bus accident, reveals some extraordinary weaknesses in the law or its enforcement, covering the operation of such vehicles. Among the surprises are these:   “Ownership of the bus was lost in a maze of corporations, which existed apparently to serve that purpose.   “On some 50 buses thus owned, license plates for New Jersey and New York were interchanged as needed since there were not enough plates for all the vehicles.   “Insurance is limited to a total of $5,000 for an accident of this kind so the victims have little protection, except by proceeding against the owners, if they can ascertain who those might be.   “There is no law requiring inspection of buses thus employed and no authority to insist that they be in condition to operate safely. Complaints by drivers of faulty brakes or other equipment went unheeded.   “This is an excellent illustration of the ‘rugged individualism’ theory; abused and gone ‘’haywire.’ Apparently any concern which could acquire a lot of old equipment could rent it to unsuspecting patrons, with no superior authority to regulate or control their actions. Such conduct does not make sense, especially when lives are at stake.  It is just such incidents which lend force to the agitation for more and more regulation of business, which in principle, also, the public does not want. Business, however, is approaching a time of inescapable choice. It must clear itself of such messes like this or government must do it. When it learns the facts the public will not permit such disregard of the ordinary considerations of safety, as are apparent in this instance.” (Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY. “Loopholes in the Law.” 8-18-1934, p. 4.)   Aug 20: “Albany, N.Y., August 20 (AP). – Surveying the work of the extraordinary session which came to an end early yesterday morning after six turbulent weeks, members of the legislature today found the results pretty satisfactory….During the last days they sent to Governor Lehman the following major legislation….   “Four bills tightening the state’s regulations on automobiles and motor busses and increasing the amount of insurance bus owners are required to carry. These measures are designed to prevent accidents such as the recent Ossining wreck in which 20 persons lost their lives.” (Kingston Daily Freeman, NY. “Extra Session Worth Cost to the Taxpayers State Legislators Say.” 8-20-1934, p. 1.)   Sep 14: “Albany — The Public Service Commission issued a new set of regulations today designed to protect the lives of bus passengers. The new rules, which affect only buses operating on authorized routes and become effective October first, provide:   “That buses be inspected every four months, and must display certificates of inspection.   “Buses must be equipped with two independent sets of brakes.   “Buses must have emergency exit doors.   “Buses must be equipped with audible signal devices.   “All accidents involving loss of life or serious injury must be reported to the Commission immediately. The new regulations were prepared, it was said, to prevent reoccurrence of the fatal Ossining bus crash which claimed nineteen lives.” (Middletown Times Herald, NY. “Rules Require Inspections and Double Brakes.” 9-14-1934, p. 2.)   Sep 25: “Charles J. Neidhart…Rudolph Pick…and Nicola de Marco…, alleged owners of the Rialto Bus Company…appeared in White Plains Supreme Court yesterday. Court reserved decision on their application for a change in venue in the first and second degree manslaughter charges against them. Charges are outgrowth of fatal Ossining bus crash July 22.” (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, NY. “Bus Owners Ask Change in Venue.” 9-25-1934, p. 9.)   Oct 3: “White Plains — Court, jury, defendants, attorneys and court attendants made a trip today to the scene of the Town & Country Bus crash at Ossining July twenty-second, in which nineteen lives were lost, to get the site well in mind and prevent confusion during the trial of three officials of the bus company on manslaughter charges arising from the accident. Testimony in the case was to begin immediately after lunch. The men on trial are Nicolo DeMarco. Rudolph Pick and Charles J. Neidhardt.   “District Attorney Prank H. Coyne said he would call Dr. Amos O. Squire, county medical examiner, Captain Christopher Kemmler of the State Police and Police Chief Nicholas J. Murphy of Ossining as early witnesses. In his opening address Coyne called the bus “a rattletrap affair ten years old.” Herman Palk, counsel for DeMarco declared Frank Incarnato, the bus driver, who died in the crash, violated one of the “most sacred rules of the company” by failing to report the bus was defective.” (Middletown Times Herald, NY. “Jurors Visit Scene of Fatal Motorbus Crash.” 10-3-1934, p. 2.)   Oct 6: “New York, Oct. 6 (UP).–Charles J. Neidhardt, 58, one three defendants in the  manslaughter trial resulting from the Ossining bus tragedy July 22, was in the county jail hospital today after a nervous collapse. The trial consequently may not be resumed Monday as scheduled. Physicians, who examined him after he slumped forward, his face buried in his hands during testimony of a witness, declared he suffered from acute hysteria and delusion that his wife and son have been slain. Neidhardt is treasurer of the Rialto Bus Company, owners of the Town and Country Bus Company, which owned the bus that carried 19 persons to death.  Rudolph Pick and Nicola de Marco, owners of the Rialto Company, are co-defendants.” (Syracuse Herald, NY. “Defendant in Bus Death Case Breaks While on Stand.” 10-6-1934, p. 1.)   Oct. 9: “White Plains, N.Y., Oct. 9 – (UP) – A witness at the manslaughter trial resulting from the fatal Ossining, N. Y., bus crash last July 22 was ordered to testify today in substantiation of his charge that a defense attorney’s investigator posed as an assistant district attorney and sought to question him. The witness, Edward Powers, was formerly a mechanic in a Manhattan garage of the Rialto Bus company and affiliated concerns, owners of the bus which plunged 19 persons to death.   “Powers said be had the name, address and license number of the investigator, who called at Powers’ home recently. Powers yesterday testified that in his presence on July 16 the late Frank Incarnato, driver of the death bus and himself a victim had complained of the vehicle’s condition to Nicola De Marco, one of the defendants, and that De Marco had “chased him (Incarnato) out of the office.”   “De Marco is on trial with Rudolph Pick. Both are officials of the Rialto company. A third official, Charles J. Neidhardt, who was being’ tried with them, was eliminated yesterday after being declared insane.” (Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY. “Sift Charges of Witness in Bus Accident Trial.” 10-9-1934, p. 8.)   Feb 13: “White Plains, Feb. 13. – Because of a technical error, defendants in manslaughter cases growing out of the Ossining bus crash which took 20 lives July 22 last year were obliged to rearrange in County Court Monday their motions for permission to inspect Grand Jury minutes preliminary to pleas for dismissal of the indictments.   “In December the then County Judge Walter G. C. Otto granted motions for the right to inspect Grand Jury minutes but he failed to sign the accompanying order until the third week in January, almost a month after he had been succeeded in office by Judge Gerald Nolan. Because of this, the decision was nullified.   “Through Herman Palk, New Rochelle attorney, Nicola D’Amarco, one of the three owners of the death bus, today sought before Judge Nolan the right to inspect the minutes. The move was opposed by Assistant District Attorney Thomas D. Scobie [or Scoble], who assisted former District Attorney Frank H. Coyne in trial of the manslaughter cases. The trial was voided Oct. 13 by the sudden death of Judge John B. Coyle, who for three weeks had heard testimony in the cases.   “Similar motions were argued last week by Monroe Kahn, White Plains attorney representing the other two defendants, Rudolph Pick and Charles Neidhardt. The latter was removed from the courtroom to the psychiatric ward of Grasslands Hospital during trial and is now reported to be suffering from a severe mental condition at the hospital. First degree manslaughter indictments against the bus firm owners were dismissed during trial but the second degree indictments, alleging ‘culpable criminal negligence,’ remain.” (Herald Statesman, Yonkers, NY. “Bus Official Freed on Bail in Crash Case. Neidhardt Released From Grasslands and Jail as Ossining Hearing Pends.” 3-25-1935, p. 4.)   Oct 19, 1935: “White Plains, Oct. 19 – Three owners of the antiquated bus which crashed at the foot of an Ossining hill a year ago taking the lives of 20 Brooklyn excursionists were cleared of all guilt in the tragedy by a Jury here today after 16 hours and 30 minutes deliberation.  The three were on trial before County Judge Gerald Nolan on charges of second degree manslaughter based on allegations that the equipment on the bus was defective.  They were Nicola de Marco, 56, and Charles Neidhardt, 60, of Manhattan, and Rudolph Pick, 46, of Long Beach, owners of the Rialto Bus Company which operated the Town and Country Bus Company, owner of the fatal bus.   “The jury returned with its verdict at 6 a.m.  At 3 a.m. it reported that it had reached a verdict on two of the men but not on the third. Judge Nolan said he was unwilling to accept it and sent them back to deliberate further.   “This was the second trial of the trio, the first having ended in a mistrial when Comity Judge John B. Coyle, who presided, died before its completion.   “The bus accident occurred on July 22, 1934. The bus, loaded with members of the Young Folks Democratic League of the 20th A. D. on their way to a baseball game at Sing Sing, ran wild down the hill, rolled over a 35-foot embankment at the foot and burst into flames.”  (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, “Jury Frees 3 in Bus Crash That Killed 20.” 10-19-1935, p. 1.)   Sources   Associated Press. “18th Victim Reported Today in Bus Deaths.” Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY, 7-24-1934, p. 1. Accessed 10-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/canandaigua-daily-messenger-jul-24-1934-p-1/   Associated Press. “Lehman Asks 4 Laws for Bus Safety.” Syracuse Herald, NY 7-31-1934, p. 9. Accessed 10-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/syracuse-herald-jul-31-1934-p-9/   Brooklyn Daily Eagle, “Jury Frees 3 in Bus Crash That Killed 20.” 10-19-1935, p. 1. At:  http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201935%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201935%20a%20Grayscale%20-%201709.pdf   Citizen-Advertiser, Auburn, NY. “Says Death Bus Carried False Plates.” 8-2-1934, p. 8. At: http://fultonhistory.com/newspaper%202/Auburn%20NY%20Citizen%20Advertiser/Auburn%20NY%20Citizen%20Advertiser%201934%20pdf/Newspaper%20Auburn%20NY%20Citizen%20Advertiser%201934%20-%202204.PDF                     Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY. “Harnett Recommends Regulation of Busses.” 7-28-1934, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=40245363&sterm   Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY. “Sift Charges of Witness in Bus Accident Trial.” 10-9-1934, p. 8. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=36071033&sterm   Herald Statesman, Yonkers, NY. “Bus Official Freed on Bail in Crash Case. Neidhardt Released From Grasslands and Jail as Ossining Hearing Pends.” 3-25-1935, p. 4. Accessed 3-26-2013 at: http://fultonhistory.com/newspaper%2010/Yonkers%20NY%20Herald%20Statesman/Yonkers%20NY%20Herald%20Statesman%201935%20Grayscale/Yonkers%20NY%20Herald%20Statesman%201935%20Grayscale%20-%201298.pdf   Kingston Daily Freeman, NY. “Extra Session Worth Cost to the Taxpayers State Legislators Say.” 8-20-1934, p. 1. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=57987532&sterm   Kingston Daily Freeman, NY. “Movement is Begun to Restore Police Powers to Vehicle Inspectors.” 7-26-1934, p. 1. http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=57987364&sterm   Kingston Daily Freeman, NY. “Resume Hearing in Bus Disaster.” 8-1-1934, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=57987403&sterm   Marchant, Robert. “70 years ago to the day in Ossining NY.” Journal News, NY, 7-22-2004. Accessed 10-7-2018 at: http://www.emtbravo.net/topic/1462-70-years-ago-to-the-day-in-ossining-ny/   Middletown Times Herald, NY. “Drive on Buses Halts Machines at State Line.” 7-30-1934, p. 12. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=35629672&sterm   Middletown Times Herald, NY. “Speedier New Motorcars Increase Accidents but Decrease toll of Death.” 9-4-1934, p. 2. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=35629894&sterm   National Fire Protection Association. Spreadsheet on Large Loss of Life Fires (as of Feb 2003). (Email attachment to B. W. Blanchard from Jacob Ratliff, NFPA Archivist/Taxonomy Librarian, 7-8-2013.)   Ogden Standard-Examiner, UT. “Other Major Bus Crashes,” 12-2-1938, p. 7-A. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=49482393   Ossining Historical Society Museum. “1934 Bus Accident in Ossining.” 7-20-2013 Facebook. Accessed 10-7-2018 at: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricOssining/posts/1934-bus-accident-in-ossiningon-july-22-1934-one-of-the-worst-bus-disasters-in-t/559085660800614/   Salamanca Republican-Press, NY. “Mechanic Testifies Bus in Ossining Accident Carried False Plates.” 8-3-1934, p. 1. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=3220277&sterm   Syracuse Herald, NY. “Bus Tragedy Inquiry Asked in Legislature. Ossining Crash Revives Movement for State Auto Inspection. Blame Faulty Brakes…” 7-25-1934, p. 12. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=37736773&sterm=ossining+bus   Syracuse Herald, NY. “Defendant in Bus Death Case Breaks While on Stand.” 10-6-1934, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=51413906&sterm   Syracuse Herald, NY. “Indictments are Sought in Bus Tragedy…Deaths of 18…All Brakes Out of Order in Ossining Accident, Witnesses Say.” 7-24-1934, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=40300705&sterm=ossining+bus   United Press. “Careens Down Steep Hill Near Sing Sing Prison.” Times Evening Herald, Olean, NY, 7-23-1934, p. 2. Accessed 10-7-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/times-evening-herald-jul-23-1934-p-2/   –18  Syracuse Herald, NY. “Bus Tragedy Inquiry Asked in Legislature.” 7-25-1934, p. 12.           [1] The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of 10-19-1935 (dealing with acquittal of the bus owners) is the latest news account of the times we have located.  It and others we cite, from July 31, Aug and Sep 1934 and March 1935, note 20 deaths. Other news accounts we note, starting July 29, note 19 deaths. We have been unable to find a source noting a late death of an injured passenger, which would make for a total of twenty. This could have happened, or the accounts of  twenty are mistaken. There were 19 certain deaths. Marchant notes no source for his statement of twenty-one deaths. We see this figure nowhere else, and thus do not use. [2] UP. “Careens Down Steep Hill Near Sing Sing Prison.” Times Evening Herald, Olean, NY, 7-23-1934, p. 2. [3] UP. “Careens Down Steep Hill Near Sing Sing Prison.” Times Evening Herald, Olean, NY, 7-23-1934, p. 2. [4] UP. “Careens Down Steep Hill Near Sing Sing Prison.” Times Evening Herald, Olean, NY, 7-23-1934, p. 2. [5] Assoc. Press. “18th Victim Reported Today in Bus Deaths.” Daily Messenger, Canandaigua, NY, 7-24-1934, p1.