A tragic bus crash in upstate New York has left five people dead and dozens injured after a tour bus returning from Niagara Falls overturned on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, just outside Buffalo. According to New York State Police, the accident happened Friday afternoon as the eastbound bus suddenly lost control, veered into the median, over-corrected, and rolled into a ditch along the south embankment of the thruway.
Trooper James O’Callaghan explained at a press briefing that many passengers were thrown around the bus or even ejected during the violent rollover. Maj. Andre Ray, commander of State Police Troop T, confirmed that five adults were pronounced dead at the scene. They were identified as Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, of India; Pinki Changrani, 60, of East Brunswick, New Jersey; Xie Hongzhuo, 22, a Columbia University student from Beijing, China; Zhang Xiaolan, 55, of Jersey City, New Jersey; and Jian Mingli, 56, also of Jersey City.
Columbia University issued a statement expressing devastation over Hongzhuo’s death, calling the loss “heartbreaking” and offering counseling services to students. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family, friends, and all who have been touched by this tragedy,” the university said.
The bus, operated by M & Y Tour, Inc. of Staten Island, was carrying 54 people, including passengers ranging in age from 1 to 74. Most of those on board were of Indian, Chinese, or Filipino origin. Authorities said the group was on its way back to New York City after a visit to Niagara Falls.
Emergency crews from multiple agencies rushed to the crash site, with Mercy Flight helicopters, EMS teams, and local firefighters working to rescue the injured and transport them to hospitals. Victims were taken to Erie County Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban, and United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. Doctors at ECMC reported treating patients with head injuries, broken bones, and other trauma, though most are expected to recover. At least ten patients had been discharged by Saturday. Kaleida Health said it received 20 patients, including five children, one of whom remains in serious condition. The University of Rochester Medical Center reported treating two critically injured patients.
Initial reports suggested a child had been among the fatalities, but police later clarified that was not the case. Authorities also corrected early information that a semi-truck was involved, confirming instead that only the bus was in the crash.
The driver, 55-year-old Bin Shao of Flushing, New York, survived and has been cooperating with investigators. Police stated there were no signs of impairment, and the bus showed no signs of mechanical failure. Investigators believe the driver may have become distracted, leading to the loss of control. No charges have been filed as the investigation continues.
The National Transportation Safety Board announced it has sent a “go-team” to investigate the deadly accident. Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she had been briefed and assured the public that state police and local officials were working together to assist victims and their families.
The crash forced the closure of all lanes of I-90 at Pembroke for several hours, creating significant traffic delays. Westbound lanes have since reopened, but police urged drivers to expect continued congestion and to use alternate routes.
This devastating accident has shaken communities both locally and abroad, as families, friends, and institutions grieve for the victims and pray for the recovery of the injured.
