5 Dead After Tour Bus Leaving Niagara Falls Crashed on I-90

UPDATE

A tour bus carrying 54 people back to New York City from Niagara Falls overturned Friday on the New York State Thruway, leaving five passengers dead and dozens more injured, according to state police.

The accident occurred near Pembroke, about 25 miles east of Buffalo, when the bus lost control and rolled over, ejecting several riders as the windows shattered.

“At this time we have multiple fatalities, multiple entrapments and multiple injuries,” said Trooper James O’Callaghan, spokesperson for the New York State Police. He confirmed that children were among those on board.

O’Callaghan said the bus veered into the median before coming to rest in a ditch. Many of the passengers were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent, he noted.

“The driver is alive and well. We’re working with him. We believe we have a good idea of what happened, why the bus lost control,” O’Callaghan added, though he did not provide further details.

Emergency crews, including Mercy Flight helicopters and aircraft from other agencies, transported critically injured passengers to regional hospitals. Medical centers reported treating or evaluating more than 40 people with injuries ranging from broken bones to head trauma.

At Erie County Medical Center, Dr. Jeffrey Brewer, chief of surgery, said two patients who required surgery were expected to recover.

“It’s a full-size tour bus. Heavy amount of damage,” O’Callaghan said. “Most people I’m assuming on the bus did not have a seat belt on, that is the reason why we have so many ejected people on this bus.”

Following a deadly bus crash in 2023, New York passed a law requiring seat belt use on charter buses manufactured after November 28th, 2016. Authorities have not yet said when this bus was built.

“There was glass all over the road and people’s stuff all over the road,” Powell Stephens of Medina told The Buffalo News after driving past the wreckage. “Windows were all shattered.”

Governor Kathy Hochul posted on X that she had been briefed on the “tragic tour bus accident” and said her office was coordinating with state police and local officials.

ORIGINAL STORY

A catastrophic tour bus accident on the New York State Thruway has resulted in several deaths and serious injuries, according to New York State Police. The crash happened Friday along I-90 in the Pembroke area shutting down traffic in both directions between exits 49 (Depew) and 48A (Pembroke).

Authorities confirmed that the bus was carrying approximately 50 passengers, many of whom were of Chinese, Filipino, and Indian descent. The group had been returning to New York City after visiting Niagara Falls.

Trooper James O’Callaghan said early reports suggest the bus veered out of control and overturned, but investigators will review dash cam recordings to determine the precise cause. He added that the driver survived and is in stable condition.

Police stated there are “multiple fatalities” and several individuals still trapped inside the wreckage, including at least one child believed to be among the deceased. Emergency crews are transporting victims to Erie County Medical Center and Strong Memorial Hospital, with helicopters staged nearby to assist in urgent rescues.

Interpreters are also on scene to help communicate with the surviving passengers.

According to police audio, all Mercy Flight helicopters were requested to respond.

The New York State Thruway Authority has advised motorists to avoid the area and seek alternate routes due to significant delays.

Governor Kathy Hochul posted on social media that she has been updated on the disaster:

“I’ve been briefed on the tragic tour bus accident on the @NYSThruway. My team is coordinating closely with @nyspolice and local officials who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved.”

We will provide updates as they become available.

5 Dead After Tour Bus Leaving Niagara Falls Crashed on I-90