A tragic disaster rocked New York State on Friday afternoon when a tour bus carrying more than 50 passengers overturned on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, a small town approximately 25 miles east of Buffalo. The violent accident prompted authorities to immediately declare a “mass casualty incident,” sending shockwaves through the surrounding region.
Initial reports confirmed that at least three people, including a child, lost their lives in the crash. Dozens more suffered injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe, potentially life-threatening trauma. Eyewitnesses and first responders described scenes of utter chaos as some passengers were ejected from the bus during the rollover, while others remained trapped under the twisted metal after the vehicle skidded into a roadside ditch.
Images and videos from the scene depict a haunting tableau: shattered glass glinting across the highway, scattered suitcases and personal belongings, and emergency crews tirelessly working amid the wreckage. Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics struggled against the clock to free survivors, employing heavy machinery to cut through the mangled bus sections. Helicopters hovered overhead as air ambulances and ground units rushed victims to nearby hospitals, including Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, where medical teams were placed on high alert.
Authorities confirmed that the tour group had been returning from a day trip to Niagara Falls and was en route to New York City when the tragedy occurred. Most of the passengers were families of Filipino, Indian, and Chinese heritage, many having traveled long distances to enjoy the sights of New York. What began as a joyful excursion turned into a scene of unimaginable grief.
Motorists traveling along the interstate were left stunned by the devastation. Powell Stephens, a witness, told The Buffalo News, “There was glass everywhere, personal items scattered across the road. Every window on the bus was shattered. People were climbing out while others lay on the ground, waiting for help. It was like something out of a nightmare.”
Governor Kathy Hochul, briefed soon after the incident, expressed profound sorrow over the accident, describing it as “a heartbreaking loss.” She confirmed that state resources were being deployed to assist survivors and their families. New York Attorney General Letitia James also issued a statement: “This bus crash is truly heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with every victim and their loved ones tonight. We will do everything possible to provide support.”
Local officials and healthcare personnel described the crash as one of the most significant single-trauma events in Buffalo’s history. Hospitals rapidly activated emergency protocols, with doctors, nurses, and trauma specialists working late into the evening to treat the sudden influx of patients. Counseling and support services were arranged for families and survivors deeply affected by the ordeal.
The precise cause of the accident has not yet been determined, though authorities are considering mechanical failure, road conditions, and driver fatigue as potential factors. State police, federal transportation investigators, and accident reconstruction experts have been deployed to analyze the scene and piece together the events leading to the crash. Officials emphasized that a thorough investigation will be conducted, with safety as the highest priority.
For the moment, the focus remains on saving lives, supporting grieving families, and providing answers to a community reeling from tragedy. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected in the coming days.