Five people have tragically lost their lives following a harrowing accident involving a tour bus on the New York State Thruway in western New York. According to police reports, the tour group was en route back to New York City from a visit to Niagara Falls when the bus reportedly lost control and overturned. The victims include tourists from India, China, and the Philippines.
Local officials, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, stated that rescue operations are underway to provide assistance to all those impacted by the crash. Emergency responders, including ambulances and medical helicopters, were promptly dispatched to the scene near Pembroke, located about 30 miles east of Buffalo.
Initial reports had cited a child among the deceased; however, police later clarified that this was incorrect. The 52 passengers onboard ranged in age from one to 74 years, and many were not equipped with seatbelts, leading to some being ejected during the incident. Others remained trapped within the mangled wreckage for several hours before being freed.
Translators and translation devices have been utilized to facilitate communication during the investigation process, which is still ongoing. Major Andre Ray of the New York State Police indicated during a press conference that, while the cause of the crash has not yet been determined, mechanical failure and operator impairment have been ruled out. The bus operator is cooperating with law enforcement, and no charges have been made at this time.
The bus was reportedly travelling east when it veered into the median before crashing into a ditch, approximately 40 miles from the famed Niagara Falls. Among the passengers were several children, and local hospitals have received a number of patients. Twenty-four adults were admitted to one facility, with medical staff anticipating full recoveries. Patients who survived the ordeal but were under 16 years of age were transported to a specialized children's hospital.
Witness accounts describe a chaotic scene with the bus on its side and personal belongings scattered across the highway. "There was glass all over the road and people's stuff all over the road," recalled Powell Stephens, who drove past shortly after the crash occurred. "Everyone seemed conscious and OK, but it was a quick glimpse."
In response to the crisis, ConnectLife, a regional blood donation organization, has called for emergency blood donations, emphasizing the urgent need for community support. The Red Cross has also established a family reunification center to help connect parents and children who were taken to separate hospitals.
Authorities are urging anyone with dashcam footage from the time of the incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Local officials, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, stated that rescue operations are underway to provide assistance to all those impacted by the crash. Emergency responders, including ambulances and medical helicopters, were promptly dispatched to the scene near Pembroke, located about 30 miles east of Buffalo.
Initial reports had cited a child among the deceased; however, police later clarified that this was incorrect. The 52 passengers onboard ranged in age from one to 74 years, and many were not equipped with seatbelts, leading to some being ejected during the incident. Others remained trapped within the mangled wreckage for several hours before being freed.
Translators and translation devices have been utilized to facilitate communication during the investigation process, which is still ongoing. Major Andre Ray of the New York State Police indicated during a press conference that, while the cause of the crash has not yet been determined, mechanical failure and operator impairment have been ruled out. The bus operator is cooperating with law enforcement, and no charges have been made at this time.
The bus was reportedly travelling east when it veered into the median before crashing into a ditch, approximately 40 miles from the famed Niagara Falls. Among the passengers were several children, and local hospitals have received a number of patients. Twenty-four adults were admitted to one facility, with medical staff anticipating full recoveries. Patients who survived the ordeal but were under 16 years of age were transported to a specialized children's hospital.
Witness accounts describe a chaotic scene with the bus on its side and personal belongings scattered across the highway. "There was glass all over the road and people's stuff all over the road," recalled Powell Stephens, who drove past shortly after the crash occurred. "Everyone seemed conscious and OK, but it was a quick glimpse."
In response to the crisis, ConnectLife, a regional blood donation organization, has called for emergency blood donations, emphasizing the urgent need for community support. The Red Cross has also established a family reunification center to help connect parents and children who were taken to separate hospitals.
Authorities are urging anyone with dashcam footage from the time of the incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
