A tour bus carrying 54 people back to New York City from Niagara Falls crashed on an interstate highway in Pembroke, New York, on Friday, killing five passengers and injuring many others. The bus rolled onto its side shortly before 12:30 p.m. on the eastbound side of Interstate 90, about 25 miles east of Buffalo.
State police said the driver lost control after becoming distracted and overcorrected the vehicle, causing it to veer onto the right shoulder and flip over. The exact cause of the distraction is still under investigation. Passengers ranged widely in age, from 1 to 74 years old. Authorities noted that multiple people were thrown from the bus during the crash. Five adults died at the scene, while many others were trapped inside and needed rescue.
Most of the passengers were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino backgrounds. Emergency crews brought in translators to assist with the response. More than 40 people were taken to nearby hospitals, suffering injuries that included head trauma and broken bones. Two individuals who required surgery are expected to recover, according to doctors.
The bus belonged to M&Y Tour Inc., a Staten Island company with a good safety record and no recent accidents. Officials ruled out mechanical failure and driver impairment as causes of the crash. The driver survived and is cooperating with investigators. No charges have been filed.
State police also noted that most passengers did not wear seat belts, despite a New York state law requiring them on newer charter buses. The age of this bus has not yet been confirmed.
The crash caused a lengthy shutdown of the highway in both directions, though westbound lanes reopened later. The scene was described as heartbreaking, with scattered glass and personal belongings and many people embracing in shock.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the crash a tragedy, expressing sympathy for the victims and their families. The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team to investigate the crash further.
This accident is a devastating reminder of how quickly things can go wrong on the road, especially when drivers get distracted. It’s also a call to action about the importance of seat belt use on buses, which can save lives. Rescue teams continue working to help those injured and support the families affected.