A tragic accident involving a tour bus on the New York State Thruway has left five dead and many injured, with most victims being international tourists. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to provide support for affected families and seek dashcam footage for clarity on the incident.
Tragic Tour Bus Accident Claims Five Lives in New York
Tragic Tour Bus Accident Claims Five Lives in New York
A devastating crash on the New York State Thruway results in multiple casualties, primarily affecting tourists returning from Niagara Falls.
Five people have tragically lost their lives following a tour bus crash on the New York State Thruway, according to the New York State Police. The incident occurred as the bus was transporting a group returning from Niagara Falls, a popular travel destination at the US-Canada border, back to New York City. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the bus lost control before flipping onto its side.
Among the victims are tourists from India, China, and the Philippines, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul reported that local officials are actively involved in coordinating rescue efforts and medical assistance for those impacted. Emergency services, including ambulances and medical helicopters, were immediately dispatched to the crash site located near Pembroke, approximately 30 miles from Buffalo.
Authorities initially announced that a child was among the deceased but later corrected that statement. The tour bus was carrying 52 passengers, aged from one year to 74. Reports indicate that several passengers were ejected from the vehicle during the crash, leading to concerns that many were not wearing seatbelts. Others remained trapped in the wreckage for several hours until rescuers arrived.
Translation services were put in place to assist international tourists involved in the crash as they received treatment in local hospitals. Andre Ray Major, commander of the New York State Police troop, updated reporters, noting that while the crash's cause is under investigation, mechanical failure and operator impairment have been excluded as contributing factors. The driver of the bus has been cooperative, and no charges have been filed as details continue to emerge.
The crash transpired as the bus lost control, swerving into the median and ultimately ending up in a ditch. Reports confirmed that multiple children were on board at the time. In total, 24 adult patients were admitted to a local hospital, with medical staff anticipating a full recovery for those injured. Other hospitals in the area treated additional passengers, while children under 16 were taken to a designated children's hospital for care.
Witness Powell Stephens recounted the chaotic scene he observed, describing shattered glass and personal belongings scattered across the roadway. In response to the emergency situation, ConnectLife, an organization that supplies blood to hospitals, has called for donations to assist with the urgent medical needs of the community. Furthermore, the Red Cross has established a family reunification center to support families divided during the incident.
Authorities have encouraged drivers with dashcam footage of the crash to come forward, emphasizing the need for further investigation to uncover the specifics surrounding the fatal collision.
