NORTH SALEM, NY — 3:30 p.m. Tuesday (update) — Officials have identified the two boys who died in North Salem Monday night as Jack Henry Baumler, 11, and Michael Charles Robson, 13, Major Michael Kopy of the New York State Police said.
Both boys were in the rear of a Bonnieview Road home, where Baumler resided, watching television around 7:20 p.m., according to police. Authorities say a tree—which originally sat about 60 feet from the house, and measured about four feet in diameter—came crashing down, crushing the boys. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two other children, Baumler's older brother and Michael's older sister, were in the same room. They were reportedly treated by EMS for abrasions and scrapes. Baumler's mother, who was in a different part of the home, was not physically injured, Kopy said.
The residence is located in the Croton Falls fire district. Brewster Fire Department (BFD) responded for mutual aid, as did Putnam Lake.
11:55 p.m. Monday (update) — State Troopers say the two boys who died were 11 and 13 years old. Two other children, ages 12 and 15, were injured during the incident.
"The 15 and 12-year-old were treated for minor scrapes and abrasions at the scene by responding EMS," officials said in a statement. "The homeowner, who is the mother to one of the decedents and one of the injured children, was present in the home, but was not hurt in the accident. The other two children were friends from a neighboring residence."
Officials from the Somers barracks responded to the call. Authorities did not provide additional details.
10:45 p.m. Monday (original story) — Hurricane Sandy claimed the lives of two young people at a Bonnieview Road residence in North Salem Monday evening, according to various reports.
Members of the BFD responded to the home—which is located near Bloomer Road, just over the Putnam-Westchester border—for an unknown emergency at about 7:15 p.m. A BFD official, who was unable to provide ages or names, said a tree landed on the home, crushing both youths.
Several news agencies report that the victims were 10-year-old boys.
At about 10 p.m., BFD members were still at the scene. Officials from the Southeast barracks of the New York State Police were there, too.
In the Hudson Valley, the storm was slated to peak Monday evening and night, causing tons of damage and leaving thousands without power. In Rockland County, a Pearl River man lost his life in a similar incident. His family members were injured, too.
Stay with Patch for updates as more information becomes available.
