PEMBROKE, N.Y. (TNND) — A tour bus and a semi-truck collided on Interstate 90 eastbound, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries on Friday, authorities confirmed.
New York State Police reported significant casualties, with Trooper James O'Callahan stating, “At this time, we have multiple fatalities, multiple entrapments, and multiple injuries.” The crash, described as a “mass casualty” incident, occurred between exits 48A and 49.
The bus, carrying 52 passengers and a driver, was returning to New York City from Niagara Falls when it lost control and overturned, according to preliminary reports. Witnesses observed the bus enter the median before rolling onto its side.
Emergency responders, including the Mercy Flight air medical transport service, are actively assisting at the scene. Three helicopters are transporting the injured to local hospitals, with Erie County Medical Center indicating at least eight patients arrived by 2:10 p.m. Additional helicopters and ambulances are responding to the crash scene.
Governor Kathy Hochul is coordinating with state police and local officials to provide aid. “Emergency personnel are on scene, and additional medical support has been requested,” state police said, urging the public to avoid the area.
All lanes of I-90 between exit 48A and exit 49 are closed due to the incident, with heavy delays expected. An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.