A tragic crash on the New York State Thruway Friday afternoon left five people dead and dozens injured when a tour bus carrying more than 50 passengers from Niagara Falls to New York City rolled over near Pembroke. According to state police, the accident happened just before the Pembroke exit after the bus suddenly lost control. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as passengers were thrown from the vehicle and windows shattered during the violent rollover.
Trooper James O’Callahan, speaking from the scene, confirmed “multiple fatalities, multiple entrapments, and multiple injuries” as first responders raced to rescue those trapped inside. Authorities reported the bus was traveling eastbound when, for reasons still unknown, the driver lost control. The vehicle veered into the median, then overcorrected, landing in a ditch on the right side of the road. Investigators have ruled out impairment and mechanical failure, leaving the exact cause of the crash a mystery. The driver survived.
Among the 54 passengers onboard were individuals from India, China, and the Philippines, which prompted officials to bring in translators to help communicate with survivors and their families. Passengers ranged in age from just one year old to 74. Major Andre Ray of the State Police confirmed that several passengers were ejected during the crash. The emergency response was massive, with multiple ambulances and at least six medical helicopters deployed. Mercy Flight sent all three of its helicopters, while Erie County Medical Center reported treating at least eight patients by mid-afternoon, confirming several victims had already died at the scene.
Kaleida Health hospitals received 20 patients across three locations. Buffalo General admitted four adults, all in good condition, with one later discharged. Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital cared for 13 patients—11 adults and two children—with most listed in good condition and three in fair condition. Oishei Children’s Hospital treated three children; two were in good condition while one remained in serious condition. Six additional patients were sent to the University of Rochester Medical Center, with three arriving by helicopter and three by ambulance. Officials reported two of those patients were in critical condition and four stable.
Hospitals emphasized that their teams were prepared for large-scale emergencies. Kaleida Health released a statement thanking first responders and medical staff for their swift actions: “While we hope that events like this never occur, our teams regularly practice and participate in mass casualty drills to ensure we are ready to care for our community during any type of emergency.”
Meanwhile, the New York State Thruway Authority shut down a long stretch of I-90 in both directions as investigators worked at the scene. Drivers were urged to avoid the area, leading to major traffic delays into the evening. Governor Kathy Hochul announced she had been briefed on the “tragic tour bus accident” and confirmed her office was working closely with state police and local officials to coordinate response and support efforts.
The American Red Cross quickly set up a Family Assistance Center at the Amherst Senior Center in Buffalo to provide support services for victims and families. Counselors and staff were on hand, and a hotline was established at 716-626-3050 for anyone seeking information. State police also asked the public to share any dashcam footage or eyewitness accounts with investigators at their Batavia headquarters by calling 585-344-6200.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on uncovering what caused the crash. With impairment and mechanical issues already ruled out, the unanswered questions only add to the grief felt across the region. The heartbreaking loss has left families devastated and communities shaken, while hospitals, emergency responders, and officials continue working tirelessly to provide care, comfort, and clarity in the wake of this tragedy.
