New York tourist bus crash leaves multiple dead and injured on route from Niagara Falls

A tour bus carrying around 50 passengers from Niagara Falls to New York City crashed on Friday, killing multiple people and injuring many others. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said on X, "There are many serious injuries, and as was just announced by New York State Police, there are multiple fatalities."

New York State Police confirmed the severity of the crash, stating there were "multiple fatalities, multiple entrapments and multiple injuries."

Accident details and location
The bus was travelling eastbound on Interstate 90, between exits 49 and 48A near Pembroke, roughly halfway between Buffalo and Rochester. Trooper James O’Callaghan told reporters, "For unknown reasons, the vehicle lost control, went into the median, over corrected and ended up in the ditch." He added, "And at this time, we have multiple fatalities, multiple entrapments and multiple injuries."

Several passengers were trapped inside the overturned bus, while others were ejected. Rescue operations were still ongoing as authorities worked to free people from the wreckage.

Passengers from multiple countries
Trooper O’Callaghan said the tourists were chiefly of Indian, Chinese and Filipino origin. Officials are trying to get interpreters to the scene to assist those affected.

There were children among the victims. O’Callaghan confirmed, "There are multiple people trapped and there's multiple fatalities and this includes children as well."

Authorities reported that a tractor-trailer was also involved in the accident, though the number of victims linked to it has yet to be confirmed.

Governor’s statement and emergency response
New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the crash as "tragic" in a post on X. She said first responders are "working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved."

The eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 remain closed, and several people have been taken to local hospitals. O’Callaghan said, "A lot" of rescues are still ongoing.

With the investigation just beginning, the cause of the crash is still unknown. O’Callaghan told reporters, "This is an ongoing incident. We don't have all the answers."

Live footage from the scene showed the bus lying on its side, with multiple people gathered around. Officials are urging the public to avoid the area while emergency operations continue.