Five dead, dozens injured as Niagara Falls tour bus overturns in New York
Victims include a child and passengers from India, China and Philippines
DUBAI/NEW YORK – A tourist bus carrying more than 50 passengers overturned on a New York State highway, killing at least five people and injuring many others, according to police.
The vehicle was returning from Niagara Falls when it rolled over on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, about 30 miles (48 km) east of Buffalo.
Authorities confirmed that several children were aboard and at least one was among the dead. Most passengers were of Asian descent, including Indian, Chinese and Filipino nationals.
What happened?
Trooper James O’Callaghan of New York State Police said the driver, who survived, lost control while travelling at “full speed”, sending the bus into the median before it flipped into a roadside ditch. No other vehicles were involved in the incident.
UPDATE (5:08 P.M.) - The I-90 (Thruway) westbound lanes have just reopened to traffic
— NewYorkStatePolice (@nyspolice) August 22, 2025
I-90, Pembroke- All lanes closed due to a collision involving a bus. Expect heavy delays and alternate routes of travel. pic.twitter.com/zXNBgUqoZg
At least 51 passengers were on board, excluding the driver, and every individual sustained some form of injury. Several people were trapped in the wreckage while others were ejected through shattered windows.
How did authorities respond?
The Buffalo News reported that ambulances and helicopters rushed to the scene as part of a large-scale rescue effort. Emergency responders worked for hours to extricate passengers, with translation services brought in to aid communication with survivors.
ConnectLife, a regional blood and organ donor network, issued an urgent appeal for donations, citing a critical need for supplies.
Hospitals in Buffalo and surrounding areas admitted more than two dozen injured, with several taken directly into surgery.
Who are the victims?
New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed in a statement on X that five lives were “tragically lost”.
The @nyspolice have confirmed that among those injured in today’s bus accident in Western New York, five lives were tragically lost.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) August 22, 2025
Our hearts are with their loved ones during this difficult time.
Police officials said the victims included tourists from China, India and the Philippines, though the full list of nationalities was not immediately released. Passengers ranged in age from one to 74. Senator Chuck Schumer and other political leaders extended condolences, while investigators continue to examine why the driver lost control.
The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a team to investigate the crash. Authorities said mechanical failure and driver impairment have been ruled out, but the exact cause remains under review.