PEMBROKE, New York — A catastrophic bus accident late Friday night has left multiple passengers dead, including a child, and dozens more injured, after a tour bus traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City rolled over on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, approximately 25 miles east of Buffalo.
The New York State Police confirmed that the bus, carrying 54 passengers including the driver, lost control around 11:45 p.m., leading to a terrifying crash that required a large-scale emergency response.
Fatalities and Injuries
Early reports indicate that at least five people were killed, including four adults and one child. Dozens of passengers sustained injuries ranging from broken bones to head trauma, with over 40 transported to nearby hospitals via ambulances and six medical helicopters.
Among the confirmed fatalities were:
- Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, of Madhu Bani, India
- Pinki Changrani, 60, of East Brunswick, New Jersey
- Xie Hongzhuo, 22, of Beijing, China, a student at Columbia University
- Zhang Xiaolan, 55, of Jersey City, New Jersey
- Jian Mingli, 56, of Jersey City, New Jersey
The remaining passengers were evaluated and treated at regional medical centers, with several in critical condition. Families of the victims are being notified, and local authorities are providing support to all affected.
Sequence of Events
According to preliminary investigations, the bus driver, Bin Shao, 55, of Flushing, New York, may have been distracted, causing the vehicle to veer into the median. In an attempt to regain control, the bus overcorrected and overturned, rolling onto its side and colliding with the highway shoulder.
Officials confirmed there were no signs of impairment or mechanical failure, and the driver is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not yet determined whether charges will be filed.
The passengers were primarily of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent, prompting emergency responders to provide translators to assist with triage and hospital coordination.
Emergency Response
Local fire departments, police units, and medical helicopters responded immediately to the scene. First responders worked for hours to extricate passengers trapped under the overturned bus, while EMS personnel stabilized the injured before transporting them to regional hospitals.
Dr. Samuel Cloud, an emergency physician at Erie County Medical Center, described the scene as one of the most challenging trauma situations he had encountered, emphasizing the severity of injuries and the speed at which first responders acted to save lives.
Official and Community Reactions
Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences to victims and families, stating that her office is coordinating closely with the New York State Police and local authorities to support rescue and recovery operations.
Senator Chuck Schumer also issued a statement, praising the rapid response of first responders and urging the public to keep the families affected in their thoughts.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a “go-team” to conduct a detailed investigation into the crash. Authorities are examining all possible factors, including driver actions, road conditions, and vehicle stability.
Highway officials reopened westbound lanes on Saturday morning, but the investigation continues to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the rollover.
A Tragic Reminder
This horrific accident underscores the dangers of long-distance travel and the need for vigilance, particularly when operating large passenger vehicles. The communities of Buffalo, Pembroke, and New York City are now mourning the lives lost and praying for the recovery of the injured.
Officials urge all travelers to remain attentive on the roads and for families of passengers to remain in contact with hospitals for updates on loved ones.
Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragic accident.
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