A summer road trip turned into tragedy Friday morning when a packed tour bus traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City flipped over on the I-90 in rural Genesee County, killing at least three people — including children — and injuring two dozen others.
Authorities say the crash occurred near mile marker 4039, about 45 minutes outside Buffalo, when the bus collided with a tractor-trailer before veering out of control, crossing the median, and rolling onto its side. The bus was carrying 52 passengers.
“It’s horrific,” said New York State Police Trooper James O’Callaghan. “People were ejected from the bus, and we believe several passengers may still be trapped underneath.”
Emergency crews swarmed the scene as helicopters circled overhead. Four Mercy Flight helicopters were deployed to airlift the most critically injured, while dozens of ambulances transported others to area hospitals.
Erie County Medical Center confirmed it received 24 patients, with two in surgery and several more in the trauma ICU. “We are working around the clock to stabilize everyone we can,” said an ECMC spokesperson.
State police requested additional medical personnel as images from the scene showed twisted wreckage, overturned luggage, and stunned survivors standing barefoot along the highway shoulder.
Several witnesses described a chaotic chain of events. “The bus started swerving, then it just flipped,” said passenger Maria Sanchez, 39, who was en route to New York City with her two children. “People were screaming, glass was everywhere. I thought we were all going to die.”
Another motorist, who called 911, said the bus “barreled across the median like it had no brakes” before slamming into the shoulder.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed she had been briefed and said her office is coordinating with state police and local officials.
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families,” Hochul posted on X. “We are doing everything possible to support rescue efforts and provide assistance to everyone impacted by this tragedy.”
Authorities are recovering video footage from cameras on board the bus, and the tour company is cooperating fully. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, but investigators are looking into reports of mechanical failure.
All lanes on the New York State Thruway remain closed between exits 48A and 48B, causing major traffic disruptions across the region. Officials are urging drivers to avoid the area entirely.
The I-90 is the longest interstate in the United States, stretching from Seattle to Boston. This particular rural section near Pembroke has been the site of several serious crashes in recent years, with locals calling it “a dangerous curve” notorious for high speeds and poor visibility.
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What happened to the truck that was hit? Was the truck on the roadway or the shoulder? Who was the bus driver? How well trained was the driver? What is the driving record of the driver? A lot of questions that need answering.