Five dead after tour bus crash on I-90

Five people were killed and at least 44 others were transported to local hospitals after a tour bus crash on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke.

Five Dead After Tour Bus Crash on I-90

The crash happened around 12:20 p.m. on I-90 in the Pembroke area, near exit 48A. Police say the operator lost control, the bus left the median and overturned onto the southern shoulder, with many passengers ejected. Five people were pronounced dead at the scene, and the bus carried 54 people, including two operators. The group was returning from Niagara Falls and included passengers of Chinese, Filipino, and Indian descent, aged 1 to 74. At least 44 people were taken to local hospitals for care.

The cause is under investigation. Investigators have ruled out mechanical failure and operator impairment so far. The operator is cooperating and no charges have been filed. The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the formal probe. The Red Cross has opened a Family Assistance Center at the Amherst Senior Center, and ConnectLife has issued a blood donation appeal to help treat a high number of patients. Hospitals in Buffalo and surrounding communities coordinated care for dozens of crash victims, highlighting the scale of the response in a mass casualty incident.

This tragedy underscores the fragility of road travel and the need for strong safety measures for charter buses. Even when early signs point away from common causes like mechanical failure, investigations can hinge on maintenance records, operator training, and regulatory oversight. The swift mobilization of hospitals, responders, and aid groups shows how communities rally in crisis, but it also exposes gaps in preparedness that policymakers should address in the longer term.

Beyond the immediate emergency, the incident raises questions about public communication, victim support, and the logistics of donor appeals. Authorities moved to set up a family center and mobilize blood supplies quickly, a reminder that the social safety net must function smoothly in the chaos of a mass casualty event. The coming days will test the balance between transparency and caution as officials seek to inform the public while the investigation continues.

Highlights

As the investigation unfolds, the community faces a long road to healing and safer travel practices.