A tragic bus accident on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, New York, has resulted in five confirmed fatalities. The bus, carrying 52 people returning from Niagara Falls to New York, rolled over, ejecting many passengers.
The incident occurred when the bus, traveling eastbound, lost control, entered the median, and overcorrected before landing in a ditch on the right side of the roadway. A tractor-trailer was also involved in the crash.
State police confirmed the bus did roll over. A witness described a scene of shattered glass and passengers’ belongings scattered across the road. Most passengers were not wearing seatbelts, leading to numerous ejections.
In total, 49 people were injured in the crash. Emergency services used multiple helicopters and ambulances to transport victims to area hospitals, including the Erie County Medical Center.
The passengers were primarily from China, the Philippines, and India. The driver of the bus survived and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Police have ruled out mechanical failure and operator impairment as initial causes.
Authorities confirmed that while children were transported to the hospital, there were no serious physical injuries or fatalities among them. The westbound lanes of the interstate have since reopened.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and other politicians expressed their heartbreak over the tragedy. They praised the first responders and confirmed their offices are coordinating with local officials.
