A tour bus carrying 54 people, including Indian nationals, crashed and rolled onto its side while returning to New York City from Niagara Falls, killing five passengers and injuring dozens more, authorities said Friday. The driver apparently became distracted, lost control and overcorrected before the bus veered into the right shoulder and flipped shortly before 12:30 pm local time on the eastbound side of Interstate 90 in Pembroke, about 40 kilometres east of Buffalo, state police Major Andre Ray said at an evening news conference, AP reported. Ray said the passengers ranged in age from 1 to 74, and several people were ejected. Five adults were pronounced dead at the scene, while many others were trapped in the wreck and later rescued. Dozens were taken to hospitals, but no additional life-threatening injuries were reported. “An absolute tragedy took place,” Ray said. “And first and foremost, our thoughts, prayers and hearts go out to those involved, their friends and their families.” Most passengers were of Indian, Chinese and Filipino origin, and authorities brought in translators to assist with the emergency response. A preliminary investigation ruled out mechanical failure and driver impairment. The driver survived and was cooperating with police. No charges had been filed as of Friday evening. Mercy Flight medical helicopters and other services transported several victims, while hospitals across western New York treated more than 40 people for injuries ranging from head trauma to broken bones. State police said the bus was operated by M&Y Tour Inc., based in Staten Island. It was not immediately clear whether the bus was subject to New York’s 2023 seat belt law for charter buses. Officials noted that many passengers did not appear to be wearing seat belts. Gov. Kathy Hochul said she was briefed on the “tragic tour bus accident” and her office was coordinating with state and local authorities. The crash shut down a stretch of the New York State Thruway for hours, with drivers diverted as emergency crews worked at the scene. (With inputs from Associated Press)
