5 Confirmed Dead, 49 Injured After Tour Bus Rolls Over in New York State Crash: Officials

5 Dead, 49 Injured in New York State Bus Crash: Officials

Tragedy struck on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke as a tour bus, carrying 54 passengers ranging from ages 1 to 74, crashed and rolled over on Friday, August 22, claiming the lives of five individuals and leaving 49 others injured. The New York State Police confirmed the grim toll in a statement, revealing that the deceased victims included a child. However, during a subsequent press conference, New York State Police Major Andre Ray clarified that no children were reported as among the fatalities.

First responders rushed to the scene to assist the victims, with survivors being transported to local hospitals for treatment. New York State Trooper James O’Callaghan indicated that most passengers were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. As the investigation unfolds, authorities have ruled out mechanical error, impairment, and intoxication as causes of the tragic incident.

Buffalo’s Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) provided crucial updates on the patients’ conditions, with 24 individuals receiving treatment, including two undergoing surgery for their injuries. Doctors at ECMC described a range of injuries sustained by the victims, including head injuries, extremity fractures, and internal injuries. The medical team expressed the magnitude of the situation, with ECMC’s chief medical officer noting that this was one of the most significant influxes of trauma patients in his career at the hospital.

Despite the grave nature of the crash, Ray highlighted that no one else was in a life-threatening condition as per the latest reports, with several individuals already treated and released. The passengers on the bus were believed to be predominantly of Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Filipino descent, though specific details about the victims have not been divulged as the investigation continues.

At the time of the accident, the bus was en route from Niagara Falls to New York City when it lost control, veered into the median, crossed to the southern shoulder, and ultimately overturned. The crash site, located on the eastbound lane of Interstate 90 between exits 48A and 49 in Pembroke, prompted a swift response from emergency services.

Multiple hospitals in the area received patients from the crash, with Strong Memorial Hospital, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Buffalo General Medical Center, and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital receiving those requiring medical attention. The authorities are diligently piecing together the details surrounding the tragic event to provide clarity to the impacted families and communities.

The devastating crash serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of prioritising safety measures, such as wearing seatbelts while travelling. As investigations progress, the affected families mourn their losses, and communities come together to support those grappling with the aftermath of the incident. The resilience and unity demonstrated in times of adversity underscore the strength of the human spirit amidst tragedy.