5 killed, dozens injured as New York tour bus carrying Indians overturns on highway

A sightseeing bus carrying 54 passengers, including several Indians, overturned on Interstate 90 near Buffalo on August 22, killing five people and injuring dozens in what officials described as one of the region’s worst road accidents in recent years.

The chartered bus, returning to New York City from Niagara Falls, veered off the eastbound lanes around 12:30 pm after the driver became distracted, state police said. In an attempt to regain control, the driver overcorrected, sending the vehicle onto the shoulder before it flipped onto its side.

The victims — all adults — were pronounced dead at the scene. Many passengers, ranging in age from one to 74, were ejected from the bus during the violent roll. At least 40 survivors were rushed to hospitals across western New York with injuries ranging from broken bones to head trauma. Two underwent emergency surgeries and are expected to recover.

“This is an absolute tragedy. Our thoughts, prayers and hearts go out to those involved, their friends and their families,” said State Police Maj. Andre Ray at a late-evening press briefing. He confirmed that while distraction played a role, there was no evidence of mechanical failure or driver impairment.

Most passengers were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino origin. Emergency crews brought in translators to communicate with survivors amid the chaos. Rescue helicopters airlifted critically injured passengers as troopers and medics pulled others trapped inside the wreckage.

Authorities confirmed the bus belonged to M&Y Tour Inc, a Staten Island-based company. The driver survived and is cooperating with investigators. No charges had been filed as of Friday night.

Early reports suggested most passengers were not wearing seat belts. New York made seat belts mandatory on newer charter buses in 2023, though the model and age of the crashed bus remain unclear.

Witnesses described a devastating scene. “There was glass all over the road and people’s stuff scattered everywhere. Windows were all shattered,” said Powell Stephens, a motorist who drove past the crash site.

The New York State Thruway Authority shut down a major stretch of the highway in both directions, reopening westbound lanes later in the day. Governor Kathy Hochul said she was monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with police and local officials.