Driver distracted? New York City tour bus crash kills five – Indians among passengers

A tour bus carrying 54 people from Niagara Falls to New York City overturned on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, New York, on Friday afternoon, killing five passengers and injuring dozens more. Authorities say the driver became distracted and lost control before overcorrecting, causing the bus to veer off the road and roll onto its side, news agency AP reported.

Major Andre Ray of the New York State Police confirmed that the dead were all adults, with passengers ranging in age from one to 74. Many victims were thrown from the vehicle, and several became trapped beneath the wreckage before being pulled to safety. Rescue operations continued for hours, with helicopters and ambulances transporting more than 40 people to nearby hospitals.

'Became distracted, lost control'

Police said mechanical failure and driver impairment have been ruled out, making distraction the most likely cause of the crash. “The operator became distracted, lost control and overcorrected,” Ray explained, as quoted by AP.

The bus, operated by M&Y Tour Inc. of Staten Island, had no record of previous accidents in the past two years and carried a “satisfactory” federal safety rating. The driver survived and is cooperating with investigators.

The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a team to assist in examining the crash, which occurred around 12:30 p.m. on the busy New York State Thruway. Witnesses reported seeing the bus swerve into the median before crossing to the shoulder and overturning.

Many victims from India, China and the Philippines

Authorities said most of the passengers were of Indian, Chinese and Filipino background, and translators were brought to the scene to aid emergency services. Lists provided by the company confirmed 54 people were on board, including the driver and a tour company employee.

At Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, 24 patients were treated for serious trauma, including head injuries and broken bones. “It’s probably the most trauma patients from one incident in my career here in Buffalo,” said Dr Samuel Cloud, the hospital’s chief medical officer. Other patients were flown to the University of Rochester Medical Center, where two remained in critical condition.

Officials believe many passengers were not wearing seat belts at the time. New York law requires seat belt use on charter buses built after November 2016, though the age of the bus has not been confirmed.

Shock and mourning

Governor Kathy Hochul described the accident as a “tragedy” and said her office was working closely with police and local officials. “Our hearts are with their loved ones during this difficult time,” she said.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing shattered glass and belongings scattered across the highway. “It was heartbreaking to see. People were embracing each other, breaking down,” said Powell Stephens, who drove past the scene.

The crash left eastbound lanes of the Thruway closed for hours as investigators worked to clear the wreckage.