BUFFALO, N.Y. — A devastating crash on the New York State Thruway has left multiple people dead and dozens more injured after a tour bus rolled over on Interstate 90 near Pembroke Friday afternoon. Authorities say the tragedy is among the worst mass-casualty incidents in Western New York in recent years.
According to the New York State Police, the crash happened around 12:40 p.m. near Exit 48A eastbound. Investigators said the bus, which was carrying 52 passengers, lost control, veered into the median, and overturned into a roadside ditch. Miraculously, the bus did not strike any other vehicles.
Authorities confirmed that several people were killed, including at least one child. Dozens of others were injured, with many passengers being ejected from the bus due to not wearing seatbelts. Troopers described a chaotic scene where multiple victims were trapped beneath and around the bus.
Emergency responders from across the region rushed to the site. Mercy Flight helicopters and ambulances were deployed to transport critically injured victims to area hospitals, while cranes were brought in to assist in lifting the overturned bus.
Mass Casualty Response
The scale of the crash prompted hospitals across Buffalo to activate mass-casualty protocols. Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) confirmed receiving 16 patients by mid-afternoon. Peter Cutler, ECMC’s vice president of communications, said physicians were even sent directly to the crash site to assist with triage.
Oishei Children’s Hospital confirmed it is treating at least one pediatric patient, while other victims were transported to the Indian Falls Fire Station in East Pembroke for emergency staging before being sent to various medical facilities.
Kaleida Health and other regional providers also opened their doors for incoming victims, with staff describing the situation as “all hands on deck.”
International Passengers Among Victims
State Police revealed that many passengers on the bus were foreign nationals, including citizens of India, China, and the Philippines. Because of language barriers, translators were quickly dispatched to hospitals and the crash site to help families and victims communicate with medical staff.
The bus was traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City, a popular route for international visitors and tourists. Officials said all 52 people on board sustained some form of injury, ranging from minor to life-threatening.
Road Closures and Traffic Impacts
The New York State Thruway Authority closed both I-90 eastbound and westbound lanes between Exit 48A (Pembroke) and Exit 49 (Depew) to allow emergency crews to work safely. As of Friday afternoon, traffic was being rerouted, with authorities urging drivers to seek alternate routes.
Community Response
In the wake of the tragedy, ConnectLife issued an
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