Five people have perished following a bus accident on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke, just east of Buffalo. The tour bus, carrying 52 passengers including tourists from India, China, and the Philippines, was returning from Niagara Falls to New York City when it lost control and flipped into a ditch.
Emergency teams acted swiftly, rushing injured passengers, including children, to nearby hospitals. Many victims were thrown from the bus during the crash, and authorities noted that most were not wearing seatbelts. Initial reports mistakenly included a child among the fatalities, but officials later clarified this was not the case.
State police have ruled out mechanical failure and driver impairment as causes, and the investigation continues. Governor Kathy Hochul assured that support is being provided to those affected. Meanwhile, blood donation centers have issued urgent appeals, and the Red Cross has established a family reunification center to assist those separated by the crash.
