Tragic Tour Bus Crash Claims Five Lives on New York Thruway

Five individuals lost their lives following a tour bus crash on the New York State Thruway. The bus was returning to New York City from Niagara Falls when it overturned. Local authorities are actively investigating the incident, which left several passengers injured, while emergency services provided immediate assistance to the victims.

Five people have tragically lost their lives after a tour bus accident on the New York State Thruway, as confirmed by New York State Police. The bus was reportedly returning from a visit to Niagara Falls, a popular site at the US-Canada border, when it lost control and overturned. The majority of those who died were tourists from India, China, and the Philippines. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has mentioned that local officials are engaged in rescue operations and providing support for everyone involved in the incident.

Emergency personnel, including ambulances and medical helicopters, responded promptly to the crash scene near Pembroke, located about 30 miles east of Buffalo. Initially, authorities stated that a child was among the deceased; however, this information has since been retracted. Police confirmed that the bus had a total of 52 passengers on board, with ages ranging from one to 74 years. Reports indicate that several passengers were ejected from the vehicle during the crash, with many not wearing seatbelts, and others remained trapped in the wreckage for hours.

The Troop Commander of New York State Police, Andre Raymajor, indicated that the cause of the accident is still under review, stating that mechanical failure and operator impairment have been ruled out. The bus driver has been cooperative with investigators, and as of now, no charges have been filed.

The crash occurred roughly 40 miles from Niagara Falls. Police stated the bus was moving eastbound when it veered into the median and subsequently into a ditch. There were also multiple children on board during the incident. Following the crash, twenty-four adult patients were admitted to a local hospital, all of whom are expected to recover fully. Patients under the age of 16 who survived were sent to a children's hospital.

Witness reports described the scene with glass and personal belongings scattered across the roadway. One bystander recounted seeing the bus on its side, further emphasizing the severity of the situation. "Everyone seemed conscious and OK," said Powell Stephens, who witnessed the aftermath.

In response to this crisis, ConnectLife, a blood supplier for regional hospitals, has issued an urgent appeal for blood donations, stressing the importance of community support during such emergencies. Additionally, the Red Cross has established a family reunification center to assist in connecting children with their parents, as they were transported to different hospitals.

Authorities are urging anyone with dashcam footage of the incident to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation.