Tourist bus, with Indians aboard, crashes while returning to New York City from Niagara Falls, 5 killed, several injured

At least five people died and several others were injured when a tour bus returning to New York City from Niagara Falls crashed on an interstate highway. There were 54 people on board, including several Indians. The accident happened on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, about 40 km east of Buffalo, on Friday (local time). When the bus lost control, its windows shattered, and several passengers were thrown out. Some children were also among the passengers.

Authorities said the bus was heading east when it swerved into the median and eventually landed in a ditch on the side of the road. Most of the passengers were of Indian, Chinese, or Filipino origin.

The driver survived and is cooperating with investigators. Officials said they believe they have a clear idea of what caused the bus to lose control.

“It’s believed the operator became distracted, lost control, over corrected and ended up… over there,” said New York state police commander major Andre Ray at the scene Friday evening, giving the toll for the first time.

Eight helicopters were used in the rescue operation, said Margaret Ferrentino, the president of Mercy Flight, a nonprofit air ambulance service, in a statement to AFP.

A police spokesman said the driver survived and is in good condition. He added that investigators have a fair idea of why the bus lost control, but they are carefully reviewing all details to be certain.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A tour bus returning to New York City from Niagara Falls with 54 passengers, including several Indians, crashed and rolled onto its side on an interstate highway.
  • Police said the driver got distracted, lost control, and overcorrected, causing the bus to veer off to the right shoulder and flip over.
  • Most passengers on board were of Indian, Chinese, or Filipino origin.
  • Mercy Flight medical service used three of its helicopters, along with three more from other services, to airlift injured passengers from the crash site.

 

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