Five people lost their lives in a tragic tour bus accident in New York state on Friday, according to police. New York State Police troop commander Andre Ray confirmed the incident and described it as an “absolute tragedy,” noting that the passengers on board ranged in age from one to 74 years old. Most of the 52 passengers were Indian, Chinese, and Filipino.
The tour bus, which was returning from Niagara Falls, crashed on the Interstate-90 highway near Pembroke, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Buffalo. First responders worked to rescue victims at the scene, while authorities closed the highway in both directions, causing significant traffic delays. Police commander Ray stated that the cause of the crash is still under investigation, but mechanical failure and operator impairment have been ruled out. Initial investigations suggest that the driver became distracted, lost control, and over-corrected.
No charges have been filed against the driver at this point, and initial reports of a child among the deceased turned out to be false. At least six medevac helicopters were dispatched to the crash site. State leaders, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul and senior US Senator Chuck Schumer, offered their condolences and support to the victims’ loved ones. Edited by Karl Sexton.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/us-5-killed-after-new-york-bound-tourist-bus-crash/a-73738054?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
