In the early morning hours, most of the occupants were asleep as they travel along Interstate 95. Just 15 miles from their destination, their van drifted off the highway and overturned. Tragically, one camper was killed and the other twelve passengers were injured

Seven ambulances were needed to get the surviving victims to local hospitals.
Around 10:30 that morning, around three hours after the accident took place, Rabbi Leider was informed of the Bangor accident.

Because no local airlines had flights to Maine, Rabbi Leider tapped his network of private plane owners. He quickly located a generous donor who provided a private jet to transport Rabbi Leider from Teterboro airport to Bangor, Maine. He also arranged for Mordecai Striks, a Queens Hatzalah member who is also a school psychologist specializing in crisis intervention to accompany him to Maine. They brought with them massive amounts of food and supplies, most of which were graciously donated by Zishe’s Bakery in Monsey.

Rabbi Yanky Meyer of Misaskim, an organization that attends to the religious needs of the deceased, arranged to transport the victim to New York for preparation for burial.

When they arrived in Bangor, Rabbi Leider and Mr. Striks provided much needed emotional and physical sustenance for the traumatized boys. Rabbi Leider’s ability to tap into his exclusive network of professionals ensured that the needs of these young victims were cared for as much as possible during their time of tragedy.