Tour Bus Crash Near Pembroke Claims Lives and Injures Multiple Passengers
A tour bus returning to New York City from Niagara Falls crashed on I-90 near Pembroke on Friday, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries, authorities reported.
According to New York State Police, Trooper James O'Callahan confirmed “multiple fatalities, multiple entrapments, and multiple injuries” at the scene, approximately 25 miles east of Buffalo.
Initial reports indicate that the bus rolled over, with bystander images showing debris and shattered glass scattered across the roadway. Witness Powell Stephens described the scene, stating, “There was glass all over the road and people's stuff all over the road.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on X that her office is coordinating with law enforcement and local officials regarding the “tragic tour bus accident.” Mercy Flight air medical service deployed three helicopters to transport victims to nearby hospitals. As of 2:10 p.m., Erie County Medical Center confirmed receiving at least eight patients.
Mercy Flight President Margaret Ferrentino noted additional helicopters and ambulances from surrounding agencies were responding. “It's a very active scene,” she added.
The New York State Thruway Authority has closed a lengthy stretch of I-90 in both directions, advising drivers to avoid the area while the scene is being cleared and investigated.
This is a developing story.