New York bus crash: Five passengers aboard a tourist bus were killed Friday when their driver became distracted and crashed on a New York state highway, authorities said. The wreck took place about 25 miles east of Buffalo, as the bus was returning to New York City after a day trip to Niagara Falls.
The passengers killed were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino origin, police confirmed. “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. Ray added that no one else was in life-threatening condition. Several passengers received medical treatment and were later released.
The bus was carrying 54 people at the time of the crash. Authorities clarified that no children were among the victims, correcting an earlier briefing.
Rescue Efforts and Investigation Underway
Ray said investigators had “ruled out” mechanical error as well as impairment or intoxication. No charges have been filed against the driver, who survived the crash. “The driver is alive and well — we’re working with him. We believe we have a good idea of what happened, why the bus lost control. We just want to make sure that all the details are thoroughly vetted,” a police spokesman stated earlier.
ALSO READ: ‘Cosying up to Xi Jinping’: US fumes, calls India ‘laundromat’ for Russian Oil
Rescue efforts involved eight helicopters, according to Margaret Ferrentino, president of Mercy Flight, a nonprofit air ambulance provider. Translators were deployed to assist survivors and victims’ families.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said her team was coordinating with state police and local officials “who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved.”
Blood and organ donor network Connect Life issued a call for blood donors following the crash. Expressing condolences, senior U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer said, “I’m heartbroken for all those we’ve lost and all those injured and praying for their families. Thank you to our brave first responders on the scene.”
Niagara Falls, located on the U.S.-Canada border, remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America.
