Among the five individuals who lost their lives on Friday in an accident where a tour bus, returning from Niagara Falls, overturned on a rural section of Interstate 90 on the New York State Thruway in upstate New York, was a Columbia University student, as reported by authorities.
Columbia University released a statement to Fox News Digital expressing its sorrow over the death of Xie Hongzhuo, a 22-year-old student from Beijing, China, studying in New York City.
“This devastating loss resonates deeply within our community,” a spokesperson commented in the statement. “We are closely coordinating with her family to provide them with complete support. … Our heartfelt thoughts and deepest condolences go out to her family, friends, and all affected by this tragedy.”
The university said it is providing counseling and other resources to students who may need them.
First responders are seen working to rescue victims at the scene of a tour bus that overturned on the New York State Thruway in Pembroke, N.Y., on Friday. (Libby March/Buffalo News via AP)
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) informed Fox News Digital on Friday about dispatching a team to examine the incident. The bus was transported to state police premises for evidence collection.
Several agencies, including the New York State Police, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Homeland Security, NYS Thruway Authority, Erie County Emergency Management, Genesee County Emergency Management, Newstead Emergency Management, Genesee County District Attorney’s Office, National Traffic Safety Board, and various EMS and fire departments, provided assistance during the situation.
The Genesee County Fire Department, University of Rochester Medical Center and Kaleida Health did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
