Tour bus heading for Big Apple overturns into ditch killing multiple passengers, including a possible child
- Lori Lee WGOLV
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 27
A tour bus traveling to the Big Apple overturned into a ditch on a highway in upstate New York, resulting in the deaths of "multiple" passengers, potentially including a child, and injuring several others on Friday afternoon, according to authorities.
The bus, which was carrying 51 passengers, lost control on eastbound Interstate 90 in the town of Pembroke at approximately 12:30 p.m. and prompted an intense rescue operation as an unspecified number of victims were trapped in the wreckage.
“For unknown reasons, the vehicle lost control, went into the median, overcorrected, and ended up in the ditch,” New York State Trooper James O’Callaghan said at the scene.
A completely full tour bus returning from Niagara Falls to New York City swerved and overturned on the NY State Thruway I-90 highway this afternoon, near exit 48A in Pembroke.Viktoria Hallikäär/Spectrum News Buffalo
Images depicted the bus, traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City, resting on its passenger side on the road following a crash in Genesee County, approximately 30 miles from Buffalo.
O’Callaghan mentioned that there were several fatalities and injuries, but the precise number of deaths or injuries was not immediately available.
Authorities suspect that at least one child was among the deceased, O’Callaghan stated.
Erie County Medical Center staff said during a briefing it has treated for 24 patients, taking in most of the victims requiring medical attention from the crash.
The driver survived the accident and was spoke with authorities about the possible reasons for the bus losing control, O'Callaghan stated.
Several medical helicopters transported patients to hospitals.
O’Callaghan said most of the people on the bus were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino ethnicity.
A driver who passed the scene described glass and people’s stuff strewn across the road, and a
Medina resident told The Buffalo News “windows were all shattered.”
A section of the interstate was closed, and cars and trucks are being redirected to clear the area, O’Callaghan stated.
“I’ve been briefed on the tragic tour bus accident on the @NYSThruway,” Gov. Kathy Hochul posted on X. “My team is coordinating closely with @nyspolice and local officials who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved in this tragic accident.
Please also keep all our first responders in your prayers.
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