Pembroke, New York — A tragic accident involving a tour bus claimed at least five lives and left dozens injured Friday on Interstate 90, a crucial highway in Upstate New York. The bus, carrying more than 50 individuals, was on its way from Niagara Falls to New York City when it veered off course and ultimately rolled over.
Authorities confirmed that at least one child was among the fatalities, as reported by New York State Police spokesperson James O’Callaghan. Many of the passengers were of Asian descent, with the group including individuals from various backgrounds, such as Chinese, Indian, and Filipino.
The crash occurred about 30 miles east of Buffalo, leading to a chaotic scene where multiple passengers found themselves trapped in the wreckage. Rescue teams worked diligently to extricate those caught inside, while others were ejected from the bus as it overturned across the highway, ultimately coming to rest on its side in a nearby ditch.
Witnesses described moments of panic as the driver reportedly lost control of the bus while traveling at full speed, causing it to careen into the median before flipping over. O’Callaghan noted that no other vehicles were involved in the incident and that the driver survived the crash, currently cooperating with investigators.
The National Transportation Safety Board announced plans to send a team to the site to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the rollover. The bus company involved has not been publicly identified, but police are in contact with their representatives.
All passengers sustained some form of injury, highlighting the severity of the situation. In the wake of the accident, New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences through social media, confirming the tragic loss of five lives and affirming the commitment to uncover the details surrounding the incident.
Following the crash, authorities closed the highway in both directions, creating significant traffic disruptions during one of the last weekends of summer vacation. As investigations continue, communities are left grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event, while support services are mobilized to assist the victims and their families.