Clarkstown, New York, train-bus collision

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Gilchrest Road crossing accident
The CSX grade crossing in April 2018, after grade crossing barriers and lights were installed. seen from the southeast
Details
Date	March 24, 1972; 52 years ago (1972-03-24) about 7:55 am
Location	Clarkstown, New York
Coordinates	41°08′02″N 73°56′43″W / 41.1338°N 73.9452°W / 41.1338; -73.9452
Country	United States
Line	School bus
Incident type	Grade crossing
Cause	Bus driver's failure to yield at a grade crossing
Statistics
Vehicles	Freight train and school bus
Deaths	5
Injured	46

The Gilchrest Road crossing accident was a grade crossing incident that occurred on March 24, 1972, in the town of Clarkstown, New York, between the hamlets of Valley Cottage and Congers, roughly 25 miles (40 km) northwest of New York City. Five students from Valley Cottage were killed, and 44 others were injured.

The Penn Central (formerly New York Central) railway crossing at Gilchrest Road West, just outside Valley Cottage, contained only crossbucks and lacked additional warning hardware, such as flashing lights, crossing gates or a warning bell. The railway line was also difficult for road vehicles to see due to the curvature of the road and lineside trees.