Five people tragically lost their lives following a devastating tour bus crash on the New York State Thruway in western New York, as reported by the New York State Police. Officials revealed that the bus was transporting passengers back from a visit to Niagara Falls, situated on the US-Canada border, when it veered out of control and overturned. The deceased are primarily tourists from India, China, and the Philippines.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has stated that local officials are actively engaging in rescue operations and providing support to those affected. Emergency medical teams, including ambulances and helicopters, quickly mobilized to the accident scene located near Pembroke, approximately 30 miles east of Buffalo.
While initial reports mentioned a child among the fatalities, police later confirmed this was incorrect. The bus was carrying 52 passengers, ranging in age from one to 74 years old. Many were reportedly not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, with some individuals thrown from the vehicle upon impact. Rescue operations revealed that others remained trapped in the wreckage for several hours.
Andre Ray Major, a troop commander with the New York State Police, announced in a news conference that investigations into the crash are ongoing. Though mechanical failure and operator impairment have been ruled out, the nature of the incident remains under scrutiny, with no charges filed against the driver so far.
The accident occurred about 40 miles from the popular tourist destination of Niagara Falls. Eyewitness accounts reported a bus lying on its side, debris scattered across the roadway, and "glass all over the road." Fortunately, 24 adult patients who were admitted to a local hospital are expected to fully recover, while surviving children have been transported to a children's hospital for treatment.
In a community response to the crisis, ConnectLife, a regional blood service organization, has put out a call for emergency blood donations. Spokeswoman Sarah Diina underscored the importance of collective action, stating, "This is one of those moments when your action can directly save lives."
The Red Cross is also assisting by opening a family reunification center to help match children with parents separated during the incident, and authorities have appealed for drivers with dashcam footage from the area to step forward as investigators continue to probe the circumstances of this tragic event.
