New York: At least five people have died and dozens were injured after a tourist bus returning from Niagara Falls overturned on a motorway in western New York.
The crash occurred around 40 miles (64km) from Niagara Falls, a popular tourist destination on the US-Canada border. Authorities said the vehicle, carrying 52 passengers mostly from India, China, and the Philippines, lost control before flipping into a ditch near the town of Pembroke, about 30 miles (48km) east of Buffalo.
Several passengers were ejected from the bus, while others were trapped inside the wreckage for hours. Police believe most of them were not wearing seat belts. The passengers ranged in age from one to 74, with several children on board.
New York State Police confirmed that both mechanical failure and operator impairment have been ruled out. Andre Ray Major, State Police troop commander remarked that, “The cause of the collision is still under investigation. The operator has been cooperative, and no charges have been filed at this point.”
Ambulances and medical helicopters rushed to the scene, with translators and devices deployed to assist survivors. Hospitals across the region received patients, with 24 adults admitted to one facility. Doctors say they are expected to recover. Children were transferred to a local children’s hospital.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene. Powell Stephens, who drove past the crash site, stated that, “There was glass all over the road and people’s stuff everywhere. Windows were shattered.”
ConnectLife, a local blood supply organisation, issued an urgent call for donations. Meanwhile, the Red Cross has opened a family reunification centre to help reconnect children with parents who were transported to separate hospitals.
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