New York: A tourist bus carrying several Indian passengers crashed on Interstate 90 in upstate New York on Friday, killing five people and leaving more than 40 others injured. The accident took place near the Pembroke exit, about 25 miles east of Buffalo, while the bus was returning to New York City from Niagara Falls.
Authorities said the bus, which had around 52 passengers on board, veered into the median and overturned into a ditch after the driver apparently overcorrected. Preliminary investigations suggest the driver was distracted at the time of the crash. Officials have ruled out intoxication or mechanical failure as possible causes.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene, with multiple helicopters, including those from Mercy Flight, and ambulances airlifting and transporting the injured to hospitals. Several passengers suffered serious injuries, including head trauma and broken limbs, while some were thrown out of the bus, likely because they were not wearing seat belts. Erie County Medical Center and other Buffalo-area hospitals are treating the victims.
The passengers on the bus were mostly tourists from India, China, the Philippines, and the Middle East. Earlier reports indicated a child was among the dead, but officials later clarified that all five victims were adults.
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed condolences to the victims’ families and praised first responders for their swift action. US Senator Chuck Schumer also extended sympathies and promised full support for the ongoing investigation. Authorities are continuing rescue operations and working to identify the victims.
The New York State Police have said the probe is ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the tragedy.