NY Bus Crash Kills 5; 54 Onboard Included Tourists from India, China, Philippines

At least five people were killed when a tourist bus carrying 54 passengers crashed on a New York highway while returning from Niagara Falls, state police said Saturday. The bus was carrying tourists from India, China and the Philippines.

The accident occurred near Pembroke, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Buffalo, as the group was heading back to New York City. Investigators said the driver became distracted, lost control and over-corrected, causing the bus to veer off the road.

“Mechanical error was ruled out as well as impairment or intoxication,” said state police commander Major Andre Ray. He added that apart from the fatalities, no passengers were critically injured.

Rescue operations involved eight helicopters, with translators dispatched to assist foreign nationals. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said her office was coordinating with local authorities to support victims.

“I’m heartbroken for all those we’ve lost and praying for their families,” Senator Chuck Schumer said, praising the response of first responders.