A horrendous bus accident near Pembroke, New York, on Friday afternoon left five passengers dead and dozens injured. The tour bus, traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City with more than 50 people onboard, lost control close to the Pembroke exit.
Witnesses described chaos as the bus rolled violently, breaking windows and throwing some passengers out. Trooper James O’Callaghan confirmed there were multiple deaths and many trapped passengers, with emergency crews working hard to rescue survivors.
The driver, who survived without impairment, reportedly lost control causing the vehicle to move into the median before overcorrecting into a ditch.
The passengers included a wide age range, from infants to seniors, and came from several countries including India, China, and the Philippines, prompting the use of translators for communication.
Medical response was large-scale, involving ambulances and six medical helicopters—Mercy Flight deployed all three of its helicopters.
Hospitals in the region treated more than twenty patients, with some in critical states, including children. Staff noted their preparedness through mass casualty drills helped them respond efficiently.
The New York State Thruway Authority temporarily closed a significant portion of I-90, urging drivers to find alternate routes.
Governor Kathy Hochul remains involved in coordinating response efforts, while the Red Cross established a support center in Buffalo to aid families.
Police appeal to witnesses and anyone with dashcam evidence to assist in the investigation.
No signs of driver impairment or machinery failure have been found, making cause determination ongoing. The incident has deeply impacted the community and officials continue to provide care and comfort.
