Deadly Bus Crash on New York State Thruway Leaves Five Dead, Dozens Injured Among Tourists Returning from Niagara Falls
Following an exhilarating morning exploring Niagara Falls, a tourist group embarked on a return journey to New York City, unaware that their bus would end up on its side in a ditch off the New York State Thruway approximately an hour later.
Authorities stated that the driver momentarily lost focus and control, resulting in overcorrection and a rollover accident on the interstate, near Pembroke, east of Buffalo. The incident occurred around 40 miles east of Niagara Falls.
Upon impact, some passengers were ejected while others became trapped. Emergency responders, including ground and air ambulances, state and local police, and other first aid providers swiftly arrived at the crash site to assist. Regrettably, five individuals lost their lives, and numerous others sustained injuries.
Communication challenges arose due to many passengers hailing from China and the Philippines, who spoke limited English. In addition to ambulances and tow trucks, translators were enlisted to help law enforcement understand the sequence of events.
Eyewitnesses informed local affiliate WHAM that the scene was chaotic, with debris and personal belongings scattered across the highway. One onlooker, Powell Stephens, shared his sentiments, “It was deeply saddening to witness.” He had driven past the wreckage on his way home from Buffalo to Medina.
The bus was traveling at full speed when it lost control from the median onward, as confirmed by New York State Police spokesperson James O’Callaghan. The accident occurred just after 12:20 p.m., causing extensive damage to the bus. Most passengers were not wearing seat belts, and several were expelled from the vehicle while some remained trapped within as first responders worked diligently to extract them.
The victims ranged in age from 1 to 74 years old, with no children reported dead. Initial reports indicated there was one child fatality; however, this has since been revised.
Traffic on the busy interstate was disrupted as both eastbound and westbound lanes were closed to accommodate emergency services. The lanes were reopened later in the day.
Four regional hospitals received patients from the incident on Friday afternoon, with at least two being prepared for a large influx of patients simultaneously. At least 30 individuals were transported to hospitals, some by air, presenting injuries ranging from critical to minor, including head and internal trauma, fractures, and soft tissue damage.
Mercy Flight medical transport service reported that three helicopters and additional support from other services were dispatched to transport patients from the crash site.
Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo received 24 victims, the majority of those injured, and confirmed at a Friday afternoon press conference that 20 are currently being treated. “We managed to attend to all patients promptly,” stated Dr. Jennifer Pugh, head of emergency medicine at the hospital.
Six victims were transported to the University of Rochester Medical Center, with two in critical condition and four medically stable, including one pediatric patient. Kaleida Health admitted 20 patients, including four adults in good condition to Buffalo General Medical Center, 11 adults and two children to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, and three children – one in serious condition – to Oishei Children’s Hospital. Most of the patients were stable or in fair condition, and at least one adult has since been discharged.
Additional patients were taken to United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, according to state police.
The Chinese Consulate General in New York reported that six Chinese nationals were on the bus. Five suffered minor injuries while one is seriously injured and undergoing surgery, as per CCTV’s report. The consulate did not disclose identities or their current locations.
Also on Friday, the Philippine Consulate General in New York issued a statement saying they are monitoring developments and will offer assistance to any Filipino nationals affected by the incident. They urged relatives of potential victims to reach out.
The tour bus company, M&Y Tour Inc., based in Staten Island, confirmed that there were 54 people on board, including the driver and another tour company employee, according to a statement from the police.
On Saturday morning, state troopers, Erie County services staff, and volunteers with the American Red Cross of Western New York were present at the Family Assistance Center established to support survivors and victims at the Amherst senior center. Translators fluent in multiple languages, including Arabic, Mandarin, and Cantonese, were also on site.
The Red Cross stated they are providing aid, including lodging, emotional support, spiritual care, meals, snacks, and water to those affected by the crash. First responders plan to remain at the center to help as patients are released from the hospital, with all family members now reportedly in contact with passengers.
“Several witnesses observed the bus losing control, entering the median, then crossing to the southern shoulder and overturning,” stated a news release from the state police.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation; however, mechanical failure or operator impairment/intoxication have been ruled out as possible factors. It is too early to determine if charges will be filed.
The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a go-team to the crash site for a safety investigation in collaboration with state police and the New York State Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Compliance Bureau. Members of the team are expected to arrive on Friday and Saturday, according to the NTSB.
Governor Kathy Hochul described the incident as “tragic” and confirmed that first responders were working diligently to rescue and assist all those involved. The tour bus company has been contacted for comment.