A tour bus accident on the New York State Thruway has led to the tragic deaths of five people, with many more injured. New York State Police reported the vehicle lost control near Pembroke while returning from the popular tourist site of Niagara Falls. Eyewitnesses described the bus rolling over, scattering belongings along the roadway. Governor Kathy Hochul stated that local officials are coordinating efforts to assist those affected by the incident.
Emergency services, including ambulances and medical helicopters, responded swiftly to the scene approximately 30 miles east of Buffalo. While initial reports indicated a child among the deceased, police later clarified that all victims were adults aged between 19 to 74, predominantly tourists from India, China, and the Philippines. Of the 52 passengers aboard, a significant number were reportedly not wearing seatbelts, with some being ejected from the bus during the crash.
Translators were provided to help coordinate with survivors being treated at various local hospitals, while 24 adults were admitted, all expected to recover fully. Others under 16 were taken to a children's hospital. Andre Ray, a police commander, emphasized that there is no evidence of mechanical failure or operator impairment at this point in the ongoing investigation.
The community has mobilized in response to this crisis, with ConnectLife urging for blood donations to assist local hospitals and the Red Cross establishing a family reunification center for those separated during the evacuation. Authorities are calling for dashcam footage from drivers near the scene to support the investigation as they seek to understand the events that led to this heartbreaking tragedy.
