Tragedy on I-90: Bus Crash Claims Lives, Traps Passengers Near Rochester, New York
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A devastating crash on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, New York, has left multiple peopel dead and dozens injured, shattering a return trip from the majestic Niagara Falls. The incident, involving a tour bus and a tractor-trailer, unfolded Friday afternoon between Buffalo and Rochester, sending shockwaves through the region and prompting a massive emergency response.
A Harrowing Scene
Witness accounts paint a grim picture. Powell Stephens of Medina,who drove past the scene shortly after the crash,described a chaotic landscape: There was glass all over the road and people’s stuff all over the road. Windows were all shattered.
Photos circulating online corroborate this, showing the bus lying on its side, a mangled testament to the force of the impact. Emergency crews worked tirelessly, extracting passengers and rushing the injured to nearby hospitals via ambulance and air transport.
Passengers and the Investigation
New York State Trooper James O’Callaghan revealed that the majority of the passengers aboard the bus were tourists of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino origin. Authorities are actively working to secure interpreters to facilitate communication with the injured and their families. The bus, carrying approximately 50 people, was en route to New York City when the tragedy struck.
Preliminary investigations suggest the bus driver, who survived the crash, lost control at a high rate of speed. He attempted to correct course, causing the bus to flip,
O’Callaghan stated. The driver is cooperating fully with investigators, and police are in contact with the bus company - whose identity has not yet been released – to determine contributing factors.
The Human Cost
The toll of the crash is heartbreaking. Authorities have confirmed at least one child is among the deceased, and the number of fatalities is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue and a full accounting of the passengers is completed. O’Callaghan grimly noted multiple ejections
from the bus and multiple entrapments
requiring specialized rescue techniques.
A particularly sobering detail emerged: many passengers were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.This underscores the critical importance of safety restraints, even on organized tours.
Medical Response and Ongoing Efforts
Mercy Flight, the regional air ambulance service, deployed three helicopters to transport critically injured patients to Erie County medical Center (ECMC) and other area hospitals. ECMC reported receiving at least eight patients by 2:10 PM local time.Margaret Ferrentino, President of Mercy Flight, confirmed that additional helicopters and ambulances were dispatched from surrounding areas to assist with the overwhelming demand.
Road Closure and Further Updates
I-90 remains closed in both directions near the Pembroke exit as investigators continue to process the scene. authorities are urging motorists to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
This is a developing story. World-Today-News.com will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the first responders working tirelessly at the scene.
Source: Guardian
| Key Facts |
|---|
| Location: I-90 near Pembroke, New York |
| Date: Friday, [Current Date] |
| Vehicles Involved: Tour Bus & Tractor-Trailer |
| Passengers: Approximately 50 (primarily Indian, Chinese, and Filipino tourists) |
| Injuries: Dozens injured, transported to local hospitals |
| Fatalities: Multiple, including at least one child |
