At least five people have been killed and dozens injured after a tour bus overturned on the highway in upstate New York this afternoon.
The tour bus met with a tragic accident as it overturned on I-90 in Pembroke, close to Buffalo, causing the death of at least five people, while over 20 others were swiftly taken to hospitals for treatment.
New York State Police reported at a press conference, ‘While heading Eastbound, just before Exit 48A, the driver lost command of the bus, causing it to leave the roadway and overturn.’
‘Tragically multiple people were ejected from the bus, with five people deceased at the scene.’
Authorities noted that the crash’s cause is still being investigated, but they have currently dismissed mechanical failure and operator impairment as factors. So far, no charges have been filed, and no other vehicles are reported to have been part of the incident.
The bus, believed to have been traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City, had at least 52 people on board, WROC reports.
Photographs from the scene show the bus turned over on its side and emergency responders including police and fire crews along the highway.
CBS mentioned that two cranes have been deployed to the location to aid in the rescue operations, alongside several emergency medical helicopters arriving to provide further assistance.
First responders work to rescue victims at the scene of a tour bus that crashed and rolled over on the New York State Thruway
A tour bus carrying more than 50 people overturned on I-90 in Pembroke, upstate New York
Multiple Mercy Flight helicopters have responded to the scene as rescuers try to help passengers who remain trapped and injured
Emergency personnel with stretchers hurry to the crash site on I-90 near Pembroke, NY, to assist the 52 victims of the tour bus accident, many of whom sustained injuries or were trapped.
Post-accident, both directions of the interstate were shut down, including exits 48A and 49, but authorities have now reopened the westbound lane for traffic.
State trooper James O’Callaghan told reporters during the rescue operation: ‘As we’re progressing through this, we’re losing more people unfortunately. Most people on the bus did not have a seatbelt on.’
He confirmed that multiple children were on board and that some may have been trapped following the crash. The bus driver survived and is ‘alive and well,’ he added.
In an update from doctors at Erie County Medical Center, the hospital confirmed they had received 24 victims from the bus crash.
Doctors said four of those victims have been discharged and 20 remain in their care.
Two went into surgery and others were moved to the intensive care unit. Doctors said the victims’ injuries range from head trauma to extremity fractures, and that they expect everyone to recover.
Child victims were reportedly taken to a different hospital. Officials stated in an update that no children had been killed in the crash.
State troopers said the bus had been heading eastbound when it lost control, went over the median and ended up in a ditch.
Rescue personnel work the scene of a tour bus that crashed and rolled over on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke on Friday afternoon
Traffic is at a standstill on I-90 this afternoon after a tour bus traveling eastbound lost control, went over the median and overturned in a ditch
Officials say drivers should expect ‘heavy delays’ and have urged them to avoid the area and seek alternate travel routes
First responders continued to rescue those who remain trapped and injured throughout Friday afternoon. Reported injuries include cuts, bruises and abrasions.
The NYC bound bus was transporting tourists from China, India and the Philippines as well as some American passengers, officials said.
‘Emergency personnel are on scene, and additional ambulances and medical support have been requested,’ said New York State Police Sgt. Jack Keller.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has been ‘briefed on the tragic tour bus accident’ and confirmed that a rescue operation is underway.
‘My team is coordinating closely with @nyspolice and local officials who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved,’ she said in a statement.
Many victims are being transported to nearby Strong Memorial Hospital and Erie County Medical Center.
The ConnectLife blood and organ donation network has issued an an emergency appeal for blood donations in wake of the accident.
Officials say drivers should expect ‘heavy delays’ and have urged them to avoid the area and seek alternate travel routes.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
