5 killed in New York tour bus crash

International

TRAGEDY struck on the New York State Thruway in western New York as a tour bus overturned, leaving five people dead and dozens injured.

The bus, carrying 52 passengers, was returning from Niagara Falls to New York City when it lost control, according to New York State Police.

Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle veer into the median and crash into a ditch near the town of Pembroke, about 30 miles east of Buffalo. Items were scattered across the highway, and several passengers were thrown from the bus. Most were reportedly not wearing seatbelts.

Authorities said the victims were primarily tourists from India, China, and the Philippines. Although earlier reports suggested a child was among the dead, police have since clarified that no children died in the crash. Passengers ranged in age from one to 74 years old.

Emergency response was swift. Ambulances and medical helicopters were dispatched to the scene, and survivors were transported to area hospitals. Twenty-four adults were admitted to one local hospital and are expected to recover fully, while children who survived were taken to a specialized children’s hospital.

Translators and translation devices were brought in to assist with communication at hospitals and during the investigation.

In a BBC report, Governor Kathy Hochul said state and local officials were actively working to assist those affected by the crash.

“The cause of the collision is still under investigation. However, mechanical failure as well as operator impairment have been ruled out at this time,” New York State Police Troop Commander Andre Ray Major said in the same report. He added that the bus operator has been cooperative and that no charges have been filed while the investigation continues.

An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic, with glass and personal belongings scattered across the road. While windows were shattered, most passengers appeared conscious and alert when first observed at the site.

The crash occurred roughly 40 miles from Niagara Falls, a major tourist destination on the US-Canada border. Authorities confirmed multiple children were on board at the time of the accident, though all survived.

In response to the emergency, ConnectLife, a regional blood provider, issued an urgent appeal for donations, emphasizing that community action could directly save lives.

The Red Cross also opened a family reunification center to help connect children and parents who were transported to different hospitals.(MyTVCebu)