Tour bus rolls off upstate highway, kills 5 returning to NYC
A routine sightseeing trip turned deadly when a tour bus traveling back to New York City flipped into a ditch in upstate New York, leaving five dead and dozens injured, as the New York Post reports.
Authorities said the bus was transporting 54 passengers home from Niagara Falls when it lost control and crashed along Interstate 90 in Pembroke, New York, at midday on Friday.
The bus, operated by Staten Island-based M&Y Tour Inc., was on its return journey to the city when the crash unfolded shortly after 12:30 p.m. According to the New York State Police, the vehicle veered into the median for unknown reasons before swerving sharply to overcorrect, causing it to overturn and tumble down the southern embankment of the highway.
The violent rollover sent personal belongings and shards of glass scattering across the road. Witnesses and first responders described a chaotic scene, with many passengers trapped inside the bus’s twisted frame and some flung from their seats due to not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
State Police confirmed five passengers were killed in the wreck. Among the deceased was at least one child, though the identities of all five victims are being withheld pending family notification.
Emergency crews rush to scene
Rescue operations brought an enormous response from local agencies, with Mercy Flight and three additional air rescue units performing up to six emergency flights to nearby hospitals. Traffic was halted in both directions as vehicles were diverted mid-highway to create paths for medevac helicopters and responders.
Crews faced painstaking challenges as they worked to extricate trapped riders from the overturned vehicle. In total, more than 40 passengers were injured, and dozens required hospitalization for injuries ranging from broken limbs to serious head trauma.
Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo treated 24 victims, two of whom required immediate surgery. Kaleida Health hospitals also received 20 patients, including five children. Fortunately, most patients are expected to recover fully, according to hospital officials.
Passengers represented diverse backgrounds
Authorities noted the bus included a diverse mix of passengers, primarily of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino heritage. The wide range of passengers underscored the draw of Niagara Falls as an international tourist destination and the deep ripple the accident is having across multiple communities.
New York State Trooper James O’Callaghan stated that many of those who sustained the most severe injuries were not wearing seat belts, which contributed to numerous ejections from the vehicle. “Most people... did not have a seat belt on,” O’Callaghan noted. “That is the reason why we have so many ejected people on this bus.”
Residents, including Medina local Powell Stephens, reported seeing shattered windows and debris across the scene. Stephens, who lives near the crash site, called the aftermath “shocking.”
Investigation ongoing
The driver of the bus survived the incident and showed no signs of alcohol or drug impairment at the time, according to police. He is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation into what went wrong on that stretch of roadway.
As first responders worked to tend to victims, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a public statement acknowledging the loss and expressing compassion to those affected. “Among those injured in today’s bus accident in Western New York, five lives were tragically lost,” Hochul said. “Our hearts are with their loved ones during this difficult time.”
The crash site near Exit 48A prompted sweeping closures of I-90 eastbound traffic for hours, significantly disrupting travel as law enforcement worked to reconstruct the crash’s timeline and causes.
Lessons to learn
1. Always wear your seat belt, even on buses: While regulations around seat belt use vary from state to state and are often looser for buses, this crash shows the fatal consequences when passengers go unbelted. Many injuries in this case occurred because people were thrown from the bus, according to officials.
2. Pay attention during transportation, even when not driving: While passengers often relax on tour buses, remaining alert can help you respond faster in emergencies. Understanding where the exits are and keeping your belongings close can help you act quickly if needed.
3. Understand that safety isn’t always in your control: Tragic events can happen even on well-regulated commercial transportation. No amount of planning or caution can fully prevent every accident, and it’s important to remember that victims deserve compassion -- not blame.
Why this story matters
This incident is a sobering reminder of how quickly an everyday trip can turn into a tragedy. Tour buses are a lifeline for tourism and community access across New York, and safety must remain a top concern for operators, regulators, and passengers alike.
With five lives lost -- including a child -- and dozens of others left injured, the crash casts a spotlight on transportation safety and emergency preparedness. It also highlights the diverse communities affected, both directly and indirectly, by a single devastating event.