On Friday, a devastating tour bus accident occurred on a major highway in western New York, resulting in the tragic deaths of five individuals. The bus, which was carrying over 50 passengers, was making its way back to New York City from Niagara Falls when it lost control on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke, approximately 30 miles northeast of Buffalo and 40 miles southeast of Niagara Falls. State police have reported that the bus was traveling eastbound when the accident happened.
According to state Trooper James O'Callaghan, the bus unexpectedly veered into the median, over-corrected, and subsequently rolled into a ditch on the roadside. The bus was reportedly traveling at full speed but, fortunately, did not collide with any other vehicles. Tragically, five passengers lost their lives in the incident, none of whom were children. The ages of the passengers on board ranged from 1 to 74 years old.
The bus, operated by M&Y Tour Inc., was carrying a total of 54 people, which included two employees of the bus company. As the investigation continues, authorities have ruled out mechanical failure and operator impairment as potential causes of the accident. The bus driver has been cooperative with the investigation, and as of now, no charges have been filed.
The Erie County Medical Center, a level 1 adult trauma center, reported that it received 24 patients from the crash scene. Among those, two were undergoing surgery, while two others were admitted to the intensive care unit. Additionally, United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia reported that it treated and released two patients, and it did not anticipate receiving more. Meanwhile, the University of Rochester Medical Center is treating six patients, including two with critical injuries and four who are medically stable, one of whom is a pediatric patient.
Emergency response was further supported by Mercy Flight, a nonprofit emergency air medical transport provider, which transported several patients to hospitals via air.
Trooper O'Callaghan noted that the nationalities of most passengers on the bus included individuals from India, China, and the Philippines. As a precautionary measure, the New York State Thruway was closed in both directions between exits 48A and 49 following the crash. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz urged the public to avoid local roads near the incident, as traffic was being redirected off of the Thruway (Interstate 90) in both directions.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences and stated that she had been briefed on the tragic accident. She mentioned that her team was coordinating closely with the New York State Police and local officials who are actively working to rescue and assist everyone involved in this heartbreaking incident.
The situation remains under investigation as authorities seek to determine the exact cause of the accident. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time.
