5 dead after tour bus bound for NYC overturns in Western New York

Five people were killed and several others injured Friday when a tour bus carrying 54 people, including the driver, from Niagara Falls to New York City overturned in Genesee County, Western New York, authorities said.

The crash occurred on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 between exits 48A and 49 outside the town of Pembroke at around 12:22 p.m., according to the New York State Police.

New York State Police Trooper James O’Callaghan told local media Friday afternoon that passengers, ranging in age from 1 to 74, were American, Indian, Chinese, Filipino, and Middle Eastern.

He had also stated that at least one child was among the dead. However, Maj. Andre Ray of the state police later confirmed that all of the victims were adults.

“Initially, it was believed that a child had passed away, but further investigation has deemed that to be false,” Maj. Ray said. “There were children transported to the hospital, and many people have subsequently been released. I am unaware of any serious injuries to children at this point.”

Several passengers were ejected from the vehicle during the crash, while others were trapped inside. Emergency personnel, including local first responders and medical helicopters, responded to the scene, working to rescue passengers and transport the injured to local area hospitals.

Police said injured passengers were taken to Erie County Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban, and UMMR in Batavia.

Photo provided by State Police shows the overturned tour bus owned by M&Y Tour IncPhoto courtesy of NY State Police

Preliminary reports indicate the bus, carrying 52 passengers and two tour company employees, including the driver, lost control, entered the median, and abruptly corrected, causing it to overturn and roll off the I-90 on the south embankment.

Police said that witnesses at the scene described the bus swerving before it flipped.

The cause of the incident is still under investigation, but state police have ruled out driver impairment or intoxication and mechanical failures.

Authorities said the bus company, Staten Island-based M&Y Tour Inc., was cooperating with the investigation.

According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the fatal Aug. 22 incident was the company’s first recorded crash in the last two years.

Gov. Kathy Hochul posted on X Friday evening, confirming the death toll, saying, “Our hearts are with their loved ones during this difficult time.”

Following the crash, all lanes of the Thruway in Pembroke were closed in both directions, but reopened at 8 p.m. after the scene of the bush crash was cleared.

Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dash cam footage to contact State Police at SP Batavia at (585) 344-6200.