Tourist bus from Niagara Falls crashes in New York; Indians, Chinese onboard
Fatal bus crash near Buffalo leaves 5 dead, dozens injured; victims include Indian and Chinese tourists. Cause ruled as driver distraction.
New York bus crash: 5 dead, Indian and Chinese tourists among 54 passengers
NEW YORK — At least five people were killed when a tourist bus returning from Niagara Falls crashed on a highway near Buffalo, authorities said Saturday. The 54 passengers included tourists from 🇮🇳 India, 🇨🇳 China, and the 🇵🇭 Philippines.
The accident occurred about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Buffalo, as the group was traveling back to New York City. New York State Police commander Major Andre Ray said the driver became distracted, lost control of the bus, and over-corrected, causing the vehicle to veer off the road.
"It's believed the operator became distracted, lost control, over-corrected and ended up… over there," Ray told Agency.
No life-threatening injuries beyond fatalities
Apart from the five deaths, none of the other passengers suffered life-threatening injuries, officials confirmed. The driver survived and is cooperating with investigators. Translators were deployed to assist foreign passengers, while eight helicopters were used in the rescue operation, according to Margaret Ferrentino, president of Mercy Flight, an air ambulance service.
Mechanical failure ruled out
Authorities dismissed mechanical malfunction, driver impairment, and intoxication as possible causes.
"Mechanical error was ruled out as well as impairment or intoxication," Ray said, noting that no charges had been filed.
Swift emergency response and official reactions
Governor Kathy Hochul said her office was coordinating with state police and local authorities to provide rescue and assistance. Blood and organ donor network Connect Life issued an urgent appeal for blood donations following the tragedy.
US Senator Chuck Schumer expressed condolences, saying:
"I'm heartbroken for all those we've lost and all those injured and praying for their families. Thank you to our brave first responders on the scene."
The bus had completed a day trip to Niagara Falls on the US-Canada border and was returning to New York City when the crash happened near Pembroke. Authorities are continuing to investigate, but police say they already have "a good idea of what happened" and are carefully verifying details.
