A bus carrying tourists returning from a trip to Niagara Falls crashed, killing five people in upstate New York on Friday.
The incident resulted in five deaths and dozens of injuries after some passengers were ejected from the bus or became trapped as a result of the crash, according to ABC News. (RELATED: ‘Mass Casualty’ Bus Crash In Ohio Leaves 3 Dead, 15 Injured: REPORT)
“The bus was traveling eastbound right before the Pembroke exit, and, for unknown reasons, the vehicle lost control, went into the median, overcorrected, and ended up in the ditch, which would be on the right side of the roadway,” New York State Police Trooper James O’Callaghan said during a press briefing on Friday.
“At this time, we have multiple fatalities, multiple entrapments and multiple injuries,” he continued to say.
The bus was carrying 54 passengers, ranging from 1-74, New York State Police Troop T Commander Maj. Andre Ray said in a separate press briefing on Friday.
Rey said that the cause of the crash was unknown, but that “mechanical failure and operator impairment” were ruled out. He also confirmed that the bus driver had been cooperative with the investigation and no charges had been filed at the time of the briefing. Rey did say, however, that it’s believed the driver of the bus became distracted for unknown reasons and lost control of the bus.
Two dozen patients were transferred to Erie County Medical Center, with extremity fractures and other injuries, doctors of the hospital told ABC News. They are all expected to recover, and 10 patients have already been discharged.
Kaleida Health, which operates multiple hospitals in the area, told the outlet it received 20 patients, including five children. One of the children is currently in critical condition.
Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul took to X on Friday to say she had been briefed on the accident and that her team is working with police and local officials.
“I’ve been briefed on the tragic tour bus accident on the @NYSThruway,” she said in her post.
I’ve been briefed on the tragic tour bus accident on the @NYSThruway.
My team is coordinating closely with @nyspolice and local officials who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) August 22, 2025
“My team is coordinating closely with @nyspolice and local officials who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved,” she went on to say.
