5 dead, dozens hurt as tour bus crashes on New York interstate highway

At least five people were killed after a tour bus carrying more than 50 passengers lost control and overturned on the New York State Thruway in upstate New York on Friday, state police said.

The bus, operated by M&Y Tour Inc., was returning to New York City from Niagara Falls when it veered off the eastbound lanes near Pembroke, about 30 miles northeast of Buffalo and 40 miles southeast of Niagara Falls.

“For unknown reasons, the vehicle lost control, went into the median, over-corrected and ended up in the ditch,” state Trooper James O’Callaghan told reporters. He added the bus was traveling at full speed but did not collide with any other vehicle.

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Five passengers died in the crash — none of them children — while the 54 people on board ranged in age from 1 to 74. Most of the passengers were Indian, Chinese and Filipino nationals, according to police.

Hospitals across western New York received dozens of patients. The Erie County Medical Center treated 24 crash victims, including two in surgery and two in intensive care. Six patients were admitted to the University of Rochester Medical Center, with two listed in critical condition. Other patients were treated and released in Batavia, while Mercy Flight airlifted several to hospitals.

Authorities said mechanical failure and driver impairment have been ruled out, and the driver has been cooperative. No charges have been filed as the investigation continues.

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The crash forced the closure of the thruway in both directions between exits 48A and 49. “Please avoid all local roads near the scene as traffic is being diverted,” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz posted on social media.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she had been briefed on the “tragic tour bus accident” and that her team was working closely with state police and local officials “to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved.”