Pembroke, N.Y. — A tragic bus accident on the New York State Thruway has claimed the lives of at least five individuals, including a child, and left numerous others injured. The rollover incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. when a tour bus traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City lost control in the town of Pembroke, located east of Buffalo.
State Police reported that the bus veered into the median before overcorrecting and ending up in a ditch. Rescue operations were underway for more than two hours as emergency responders worked to reach trapped passengers. Authorities confirmed that of the 52 people on board, many sustained various injuries, with several in critical condition.
Shortly after the accident, emergency services began transporting the injured to hospitals in Rochester and Buffalo. Dr. Jeffrey Brewer, chief of surgery at Erie County Medical Center, stated that as of 4:30 p.m., 20 patients remained under treatment, including two in the operating room and another two in the trauma intensive care unit. The hospital mobilized six staff members to help triage victims at the crash site.
The roadways in the area experienced significant traffic disruptions, with all eastbound lanes remaining closed for safety reasons. State officials advised that the westbound lanes were reopened by early evening, though delays persisted due to ongoing investigations.
Local leaders described the event as a “mass casualty” incident, prompting a large-scale response from various agencies, including the dispatch of multiple helicopters for airlifting the critically injured. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz confirmed that all westbound traffic was being rerouted off the Thruway at nearby exits.
Witnesses reported that the bus was traveling at a high speed when the accident occurred and did not collide with any other vehicles. The damaged bus ultimately came to rest on its passenger side, illustrating the severity of the crash.
Survivors included many passengers of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent, according to local reports. As investigators continue to gather information, anyone with relevant eyewitness accounts or dashboard camera footage is urged to contact State Police for further assistance.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences and noted that state officials were providing necessary resources to support the affected families. The New York Thruway Authority is collaborating with law enforcement to improve safety protocols for future transport services.
As this story develops, authorities remain focused on understanding the cause of this catastrophic event while supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time.