A tour bus carrying 54 people from Niagara Falls to New York City overturned on Interstate 90 in Pembroke, western New York, on Friday, resulting in five fatalities and numerous injuries, according to authorities.
The crash happened around 12:30 p.m. when the bus veered onto the right shoulder and flipped. State Police Major Andre Ray said the driver, who survived, appeared to have been distracted, lost control, and overcorrected. The exact reason for the distraction is still under investigation.
Passengers ranged in age from 1 to 74. Several individuals were ejected from the vehicle, and five adults died at the scene. Many others were trapped in the wreckage but later rescued. While dozens were hospitalized, none are believed to have life-threatening injuries.
“This was a heartbreaking incident,” said Maj. Ray. “Our deepest sympathies go to all those affected.”
Most passengers were of Indian, Chinese, or Filipino descent, and translators were brought in to assist. Authorities ruled out mechanical failure and driver impairment early on. No charges have been filed.
The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team to investigate the accident. Mercy Flight and other medical helicopters transported several injured individuals. More than 40 people were treated for various injuries, including broken bones and head trauma. Two patients undergoing surgery in Buffalo are expected to recover.
The bus belonged to M&Y Tour Inc., based in Staten Island. The company holds a “satisfactory” safety rating and has had no reported accidents or fatalities in the past two years, according to federal records. Their buses and drivers have been inspected 60 times in that period.
State police noted that many passengers were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. A 2023 New York law requires seat belt use on charter buses built after November 28, 2016, though the manufacturing date of this bus has not yet been disclosed.
The crash closed a large section of the highway in both directions. Westbound lanes reopened later in the day, but drivers were initially advised to avoid the area.
Witnesses described a distressing scene, with debris and personal items scattered across the road. “It was heartbreaking,” said Powell Stephens, a passerby. “People were hugging, some were clearly in shock.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the crash a tragedy and said her office is coordinating with local and state officials. “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims,” she said in a statement.