Deadly Bus Crash on New York Thruway Claims Five Lives, Including a Child
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Pembroke, NY – A chartered tour bus returning from Niagara Falls crashed and rolled on Interstate-90 in upstate New York Friday, resulting in at least five fatalities, including one child. The accident occurred near Pembroke, approximately 25 miles east of Buffalo, between exits 49 and 48A.
details of the Crash
The bus, carrying 52 passengers and one driver, was en route back to new York City when the incident occurred shortly before 12:30 p.m. According to New York State Police spokesman James O’Callaghan, the driver lost control, initially striking the median. A subsequent overcorrection led the bus into a ditch, triggering a devastating rollover.
“It’s a very volatile scene,” O’Callaghan stated to media outlets. He also noted the chaotic conditions at the crash site, with vehicles traveling in opposing directions on the interstate.
The force of the impact ejected numerous passengers from the bus. Authorities confirmed that all passengers sustained at least minor injuries, with many not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
International Travelers Among the victims
The majority of the passengers were international visitors from India, China, and the Philippines. First responders transported over 40 individuals to three area hospitals for treatment of injuries ranging from head trauma to broken limbs. due to the language barriers presented by the international travelers, hospitals utilized translation devices to facilitate communication and provide appropriate care.
Investigation Underway
The driver survived the accident and is reported to be in good condition. O’Callaghan indicated that investigators “have an excellent idea of what happened [and] why the bus lost control,” but declined to elaborate on the likely cause of the crash pending further investigation.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the incident in a social media post, describing it as “tragic” and affirming that first responders are providing assistance to all those affected.