A tour bus carrying 54 people to New York from Niagara Falls tragically crashed and killed multiple people.
The accident happened on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, about 25 miles east of Buffalo, on Thursday, August 22.
According to New York State Police spokesperson James O’Callaghan, the vehicle “lost control, went into the median, overcorrected, and ended up in the ditch, which would be on the right side of the roadway," per the Independent.
O’Callaghan confirmed that the crash involved a tractor-trailer, explaining: “The bus did roll,” but not disclosing the exact cause.
“It’s a full-size tour bus. Heavy amount of damage,” he continued. “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.”
At least five people have sadly lost their lives.
Witnesses describe chaotic aftermathThose who saw the scene described it as horrific. Powell Stephens, a bystander who spoke with The Buffalo News, recalled: “There was glass all over the road and people’s stuff all over the road. Windows were all shattered.”
Mercy Flight and other emergency services dispatched multiple helicopters and ambulances to move victims to area hospitals. The Erie County Medical Center received dozens of patients, with its trauma unit pushed to capacity.
Dr. Jennifer Pugh, chief of emergency medicine at the hospital, revealed that “24 passengers were treated at a Buffalo hospital, and 20 continue to receive care in the emergency department. Two people are in surgery, and others were admitted to the trauma ICU.”
Dr. Samuel Cloud, the hospital’s chief medical officer, added: “Probably the most trauma patients from one incident in my career here in Buffalo.”
Authorities confirmed that the bus was carrying passengers between the ages of 1 and 74, with many of them from China, India, and the Philippines. Translators were brought to the crash site to assist survivors and families.
While early reports claimed children had died, police later clarified that these were false. “Police said there were children transported to the hospital, however they are ‘unaware of any serious physical injuries to children at this point’.”
O’Callaghan also confirmed that investigators are working with the driver, who survived the crash. “The driver is alive and well,” he said. “We’re working with him. We believe we have a good idea of what happened, why the bus lost control.”
News of the crash prompted swift responses from New York officials and national lawmakers.
Governor Kathy Hochul called the incident “tragic,” posting on X: “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.”
Senator Chuck Schumer echoed the grief, writing: “I’m heartbroken for all those we’ve lost and all those injured and praying for their families. Thank you to our brave first responders on the scene.”
Representative Eric Swalwell of California also shared his condolences, writing: “My heart breaks after hearing of the horrific bus crash in New York. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the first responders working through this tragedy.”