Emergency services respond as the investigation unfolds into the cause of the crash.
Tragic Tour Bus Crash Claims Five Lives in New York State
Tragic Tour Bus Crash Claims Five Lives in New York State
A devastating incident on the New York State Thruway highlights the dangers of tour travel.
Five people tragically lost their lives in a tour bus accident on the New York State Thruway in Western New York, as confirmed by state police. The bus, which was returning from a visit to Niagara Falls, reportedly lost control before rolling over. The victims, primarily tourists from India, China, and the Philippines, have been identified. Governor Kathy Hochul stated that local officials are actively working to provide aid to those affected by this devastating event.
Ambulances and medical helicopters were swiftly dispatched to the crash site, located near Pembroke, roughly 30 miles east of Buffalo. Initial reports indicated that a child was among the deceased, but officials later clarified that this was not the case. The bus was carrying 52 passengers aged between one and 74 years. Eyewitnesses reported that several victims were ejected from the vehicle during the crash, and many were not wearing seatbelts at the time.
The passengers remained trapped inside the wreck for several hours, prompting the need for translation services to assist in the ongoing investigation. According to New York State Police troop commander Andre Ray Major, the investigation is still in its early stages, with officials ruling out mechanical failure and operator impairment as possible causes. The driver has been cooperative, and no charges have been filed thus far.
The incident occurred approximately 40 miles from Niagara Falls, a popular tourist attraction. Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with the bus overturned and belongings scattered across the roadway. Local hospitals have admitted 24 adult patients, all of whom are expected to recover, while children were taken to a specialized children's hospital.
In light of the crisis, ConnectLife, a local organization that supplies blood to hospitals, has launched an emergency appeal for donations. "This community is facing a crisis," spokesperson Sarah Diina said, urging citizens to step up and help save lives. The Red Cross has also established a family reunification center to assist families separated during the evacuation to different hospitals. Authorities are appealing for dashcam footage from drivers near the crash site to aid in the investigation as they seek answers about this heartbreaking incident.
Ambulances and medical helicopters were swiftly dispatched to the crash site, located near Pembroke, roughly 30 miles east of Buffalo. Initial reports indicated that a child was among the deceased, but officials later clarified that this was not the case. The bus was carrying 52 passengers aged between one and 74 years. Eyewitnesses reported that several victims were ejected from the vehicle during the crash, and many were not wearing seatbelts at the time.
The passengers remained trapped inside the wreck for several hours, prompting the need for translation services to assist in the ongoing investigation. According to New York State Police troop commander Andre Ray Major, the investigation is still in its early stages, with officials ruling out mechanical failure and operator impairment as possible causes. The driver has been cooperative, and no charges have been filed thus far.
The incident occurred approximately 40 miles from Niagara Falls, a popular tourist attraction. Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with the bus overturned and belongings scattered across the roadway. Local hospitals have admitted 24 adult patients, all of whom are expected to recover, while children were taken to a specialized children's hospital.
In light of the crisis, ConnectLife, a local organization that supplies blood to hospitals, has launched an emergency appeal for donations. "This community is facing a crisis," spokesperson Sarah Diina said, urging citizens to step up and help save lives. The Red Cross has also established a family reunification center to assist families separated during the evacuation to different hospitals. Authorities are appealing for dashcam footage from drivers near the crash site to aid in the investigation as they seek answers about this heartbreaking incident.
