A ‘mass casualty’ incident was declared after a tour bus crashed in upstate New York with at least three people killed, including a child, and more than 60 injured in a horror smash
Several people, including at least one child, have perished after a tour bus overturned in a devastating accident. A coach carrying tourists crashed this afternoon (local time) in Pembroke, upstate New York, in what authorities have classified as a “mass casualty” incident. So far, at least three people confirmed dead and dozens more wounded.
The cause of the smash on the I-90 near Pembroke, roughly 25 miles east of Buffalo, remains unclear at this stage, with New York State Police trooper James O’Callahan confirming: “At this time, we have multiple fatalities, multiple entrapments and multiple injuries.”
Images captured by witnesses at the scene revealed the coach had toppled onto its side, coming to rest just off the carriageway, with countless ambulances and air ambulances ferrying casualties to hospital.
At least one victim has been rushed to Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, a spokesperson confirmed, with the coach having been travelling towards New York City after a visit to Niagara Falls.
Whilst police haven’t revealed the tour operator’s identity, it’s understood the vehicle was carrying 52 passengers when disaster struck, with officials stating that most families aboard were of Filipino, Indian and Chinese heritage.
Numerous passengers were hurled from the coach whilst others became trapped beneath it after it rolled over and plunged into a roadside ditch. Powell Stephens of Medina told The Buffalo News after witnessing the aftermath of the crash: “There was glass all over the road and people’s stuff all over the road.
“Windows were all shattered.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed on Twitter that she had been briefed about the tragic incident, although no official statement regarding the number of casualties has been released yet.
New York State Attorney General Letita James also expressed her sorrow over the incident on the social media platform, stating: “This bus crash is heartbreaking, and I’m praying for everyone impacted. Grateful to our first responders on the scene working to rescue and help people.”
Reports suggest that Erie County Medical Center, a hospital in Buffalo, admitted at least eight patients from the accident by 2:10pm local time.
Mercy Flight air medical transport service revealed that three of its helicopters were involved in transporting victims from the crash site. Mercy Flight president Margaret Ferrentino commented: “It’s a very active scene. At this time we’re praying for the victims.”
A significant portion of the motorway has been closed in both directions, with motorists being advised to steer clear of the area. An investigation into the cause of the crash is currently underway.
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