A tour bus carrying 54 passengers, including Indian, Chinese, and Filipino travelers, crashed on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, about 40 km east of Buffalo, killing five adults and injuring many others. The bus, returning to New York City from Niagara Falls, rolled over on Friday afternoon after the driver lost control, veering into the median and flipping into a ditch. Shattered windows and scattered belongings painted a grim scene, witnesses reported.

The incident occurred shortly before 12:30 pm, with state police Major Andre Ray confirming the driver’s distraction as a potential cause, though the investigation remains ongoing. “An absolute tragedy took place,” Ray said, expressing condolences to the victims’ families. The passengers, ranging from 1 to 74 years old, included children. Multiple individuals were ejected during the rollover, and many were trapped in the wreckage, requiring extensive rescue efforts.

Mercy Flight and other medical services deployed six helicopters to transport the injured to regional hospitals, where over 40 people were treated for injuries ranging from head trauma to broken limbs. Dr. Jeffrey Brewer, chief of surgery at Erie County Medical Centre, noted that two patients requiring surgery are expected to recover. The bus, operated by M&Y Tour Inc. of Staten Island, showed significant damage, with most passengers not wearing seat belts, a factor linked to the high number of ejections.

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New York’s 2023 law mandates seat belt use on charter buses built after November 28, 2016, but the age of this bus remains unclear. Preliminary findings rule out mechanical failure or driver impairment, and the driver, who survived, is cooperating with authorities. No charges have been filed as of Friday evening.

The New York State Thruway Authority closed Interstate 90 in both directions, with westbound lanes later reopened. Governor Kathy Hochul, briefed on the “tragic accident,” pledged support to local officials. The crash, which left glass and debris strewn across the highway, underscores the dangers of interstate travel and the importance of safety compliance.

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