PEMBROKE, NEW YORK | Aug 23, 2025 : A tourist bus carrying more than 50 passengers crashed on a New York state highway Friday evening, killing five people and injuring several others. The bus was returning from a day trip to Niagara Falls when its driver became distracted, lost control, and veered off the road, authorities said.

The accident took place about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Buffalo, near the town of Pembroke. The passengers were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino origin, according to police. Officials confirmed that while five people died, no other passengers were in life-threatening condition. Many injured travelers received medical treatment and were later released.

Distracted Driving Suspected

Major Andre Ray, commander of the New York State Police, briefed reporters at the scene. “It’s believed the operator became distracted, lost control, over corrected and ended up… over there,” he said, gesturing toward the wreckage. He gave the first official toll of the dead and said the investigation was continuing.

Authorities quickly ruled out both mechanical failure and impairment due to drugs or alcohol. No charges have yet been filed against the driver, who survived the crash and is cooperating with investigators. “We believe we have a good idea of what happened, why the bus lost control. We just want to make sure all the details are thoroughly vetted,” Ray added.

Rescue and Medical Response

The scale of the emergency prompted a major rescue effort. Several ambulances and eight medical helicopters were dispatched to transport injured passengers to nearby hospitals. Margaret Ferrentino, president of Mercy Flight, a nonprofit air ambulance service, said crews worked around the clock to move patients swiftly. Translators were also deployed to the scene to assist with communication, as many of the tourists were non-English speakers.

Blood and organ donor network Connect Life issued an urgent appeal for blood donations following the crash, highlighting the need created by the large number of patients treated.

Leaders React

New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences and said her office was working closely with local officials and state police to ensure all survivors received the help they needed. “We are coordinating efforts to provide rescue and assistance to everyone involved,” she said in a statement.

Senator Chuck Schumer of New York also reacted, saying he was “heartbroken for all those we’ve lost and all those injured” and offered prayers for their families. He praised the quick action of first responders.

Popular Tourist Route

The bus had traveled earlier in the day to Niagara Falls, one of North America’s most popular tourist destinations, which straddles the US-Canada border. Fifty-four people were onboard when the crash occurred, according to US media. Importantly, police clarified that no children were among the dead, contradicting earlier reports.

For many, the trip was meant to be a joyful visit to the famous falls. Instead, it ended in tragedy on a quiet highway in western New York. As investigators continue to piece together the final moments before the crash, grieving families both in the United States and abroad are left to mourn loved ones lost too soon.