5 confirmed dead after tour bus rollover on I-90 in Pembroke

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Five people were confirmed dead and many were injured in a crash involving a bus on I-90 near Pembroke that occurred Friday afternoon, New York State Police announced.

Police originally believed at least one child had died, but New York State Troop Commander Andre Ray confirmed later in the day that no children died.

Several other people were injured along with multiple others that were trapped under and around the bus. Police said most of the passengers did not have their seatbelts on, resulting in many ejections.

State police said every person on the bus, 54 in total, had some level of injury. Passengers ranged in age from 1 to 74 years old. The M & Y Tour Inc. bus was traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City. Many of the nationalities among those injured are Indian, Chinese and Filipino. Police said there were language barriers and translators were sent to the scene.

The crash occurred around 12:40 p.m. near Exit 48A eastbound. State police said the bus lost control, went into the median and turned over into a ditch on the side of the road. The bus did not hit any vehicles. Police said the driver of the bus is alive.

Ray said it is believed that the driver got distracted and it is still unknown whether they will be facing charges. Operative impairment was ruled out, Ray said.

New York State Thruway Authority said I-90 east is closed between Exit 48A and Exit 49, and asked drivers to seek alternate routes. Westbound was opened just after 5:15 p.m. Approaching drivers were being sent off the highway at Exit 48A.

Several Mercy Flights were requested as well as all Mercy Flight ambulances.

Peter Cutler, the vice president of communications and internal affairs at ECMC, said ECMC received a “mass casualty notification” and took 24 people in. ECMC later revised their statement and said only 21 patients were taken in.

Cutler also said physicians were sent to the crash site. Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital received 13 patients and Buffalo General received four. Oishei Children’s Hospital took in three children. University of Rochester Medical Center has also taken six patients.

Those with minor injuries were taken to the Indian Falls Fire Station in East Pembroke.

A spokesperson with ECMC said seven of the 21 patients taken in were discharged the same evening. Three patients taken into surgery and the trauma intensive care unit are stable and one is in critical condition Saturday morning. As of Saturday afternoon, the remaining 14 patients are stable and two of the patients are expected to be discharged today.

News 4’s Patrick Ryan spoke to a witness who said there were two cranes at the scene for the bus.

New York State Police are asking anyone with dash cam footage of the incident or information about the crash to call them at 585-344-6200.

ConnectLife is asking for blood donations. Those interested are asked to call (716) 529-4270 or click here to schedule a donation appointment.

The National Transportation Safety Board is beginning an investigation on the crash.

Watch Friday’s full press conference in the video player above.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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