Five people have tragically lost their lives in a devastating tour bus accident on the New York State Thruway in western New York, as confirmed by New York State Police. The bus was transporting a group of tourists back from Niagara Falls to New York City when it reportedly lost control and overturned. Among the victims are individuals from India, China, and the Philippines, highlighting the incident's devastating effect on the international community.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has reassured the public that local officials are focused on rescue efforts and providing necessary assistance to the survivors. Emergency services, including ambulances and medical helicopters, were dispatched immediately to the crash site located near Pembroke, about 30 miles from Buffalo.
Initial reports indicated that a child was among the deceased, but police later clarified that this information was incorrect. The bus had 52 passengers aboard, ranging in age from one to 74 years, with some thrown from the vehicle during the crash. Reports suggest that many passengers were not wearing seatbelts, with others trapped in the wreckage for several hours as rescuers worked to free them.
Translators have been deployed to assist at the scene and in hospitals to aid the investigation and connect victims' families. New York State Police troop commander, Andre Ray major, stated that the exact cause of the accident remains undetermined, although mechanical failure and operator impairment have been ruled out. The driver has cooperated fully, and no charges have been filed as the investigation continues.
The bus was traveling eastbound when it lost control, veered into the median, and subsequently crashed into a ditch. Witness accounts speak of a chaotic scene, with one bystander remarking on the glass and belongings scattered across the road.
Twenty-four adults were hospitalized, with doctors expressing optimism for their full recovery. Additionally, other local hospitals treated surviving children, who were transported to a specialized children's hospital.
In light of the tragedy, ConnectLife, a regional blood donation organization, has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations, underscoring the community's pressing needs. Furthermore, the Red Cross has established a family reunification center to assist families separated during the chaos of the event. Authorities are also asking for drivers with dashcam footage to come forward to support the ongoing investigation.
