NEW YORK: A tragic tour bus accident on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, New York, claimed the lives of five passengers and left dozens injured on Friday afternoon. The bus, carrying 54 people from Niagara Falls to New York City, overturned after the driver reportedly became distracted and lost control, authorities said.
According to the Associated Press, the crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. when the driver overcorrected after veering off course, causing the bus to tip onto its side. The vehicle, operated by M&Y Tour Inc. of Staten Island, had no recent history of safety violations and held a “satisfactory” federal safety rating.
All fatalities were adults, and passengers ranged in age from 1 to 74. Many victims were ejected from the vehicle or trapped under the wreckage, requiring a prolonged rescue effort involving helicopters, ambulances, and emergency crews.
Distraction the Likely Cause
Mechanical failure and driver impairment have been ruled out. Major Andre Ray of the New York State Police said distraction appears to be the primary factor. “The operator became distracted, lost control, and overcorrected,” he stated. The driver survived the crash and is cooperating with investigators.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has sent a team to assist in the investigation. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the bus swerve across lanes before overturning, leaving debris, shattered glass, and personal belongings strewn across the highway.
Passengers from India, China, and the Philippines
Authorities confirmed that many of the passengers were tourists from India, China, and the Philippines. Translators were brought to the scene to assist emergency responders. The passenger manifest included 54 individuals—52 passengers, one driver, and a tour company employee.
At Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, 24 patients were treated for serious injuries, including head trauma and fractures. “It’s probably the most trauma patients from one incident in my career here in Buffalo,” said Dr. Samuel Cloud, the hospital’s chief medical officer. Additional patients were flown to the University of Rochester Medical Center, where at least two remain in critical condition.
Seat Belt Use Under Scrutiny
Officials suspect that many passengers were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. New York state law mandates seat belt use on charter buses manufactured after November 2016, but the age of the vehicle involved is still under review.
Widespread Shock and Mourning
New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed condolences, calling the crash a “tragedy.” “Our hearts are with their loved ones during this difficult time,” she said in a statement.
Witnesses described a chaotic and emotional scene. “It was heartbreaking to see. People were embracing each other, breaking down,” said Powell Stephens, a driver who passed by shortly after the crash.
The eastbound lanes of the New York State Thruway remained closed for several hours as emergency teams worked to recover victims and clear the wreckage.
