Five people lost their lives and dozens more were injured on Friday, August 22, 2025, when a tour bus returning from Niagara Falls to New York City crashed on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke, about 30 miles east of Buffalo. The accident, which occurred just after noon, has been described by local hospital officials as one of the most significant mass casualty events in the region’s recent memory, with emergency services mounting a massive response to treat and transport victims from the scene.
According to New York State Police, the bus—operated by M&Y Tour, Inc. out of Staten Island—was carrying 54 people, including two employees, when it lost control near Exit 48A. The vehicle veered into the median, overcorrected, and ultimately rolled over into a roadside ditch. The crash did not involve any other vehicles, despite initial reports suggesting otherwise. The passengers, ranging in age from one to 74, included tourists from the United States, India, China, the Philippines, and the Middle East, making this a truly international tragedy.
Major Andre Ray, commander of New York State Police Troop T, addressed the media Friday evening, confirming the fatalities and noting that, contrary to early reports, none of the deceased were children. “First and foremost, our thoughts, prayers and hearts go out to those involved, their friends and their family,” Ray said. He added, “The cause of the collision is still under investigation. However, mechanical failure as well as operator impairment have been ruled out at this time.” Ray explained that investigators believe the driver became distracted, lost control of the bus, and overcorrected, causing the vehicle to flip. The driver survived and has been cooperating with authorities; no charges have been filed as of Friday evening.
The crash site quickly became a scene of intense activity as first responders arrived. Ambulances, medical helicopters, and ground EMS units from across western New York descended on the area. Eight Mercy Flight helicopters and 17 ground EMS units transported 19 patients, while others were taken by ambulance or other means. Dr. Samuel Cloud, chief medical officer at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) in Buffalo, remarked, “I’ve been here 25 years ... This is probably the most trauma patients we’ve had from one incident in my career here in Buffalo.” ECMC received 24 patients, with two in trauma ICU and two more undergoing surgery Friday afternoon. Dr. Jennifer Pugh, ECMC’s chief of emergency medicine, noted that physicians were dispatched to the crash site itself to provide immediate care—an effort that likely saved lives.
Other area hospitals also received victims. Buffalo General Medical Center took in five adults, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital received 11 adults and two children, and Oishei Children’s Hospital treated three children, two of whom were in good condition and one in serious condition, according to Kaleida Health. The University of Rochester Medical Center reported receiving six patients, including two in critical condition. The diversity of the group, with many passengers speaking little or no English, posed an additional challenge for rescue teams. Translators and translation devices were brought to both the crash site and hospitals to help first responders communicate with victims and their families.
The bus was returning from a trip to the iconic Niagara Falls, a major tourist destination on the US-Canada border, and was headed back to New York City. Witnesses recounted seeing the bus lying on its side with shattered windows and personal belongings scattered across the highway. Powell Stephens, who drove past the crash site, told The Buffalo News, “There was glass all over the road and people’s stuff all over the road. Windows were all shattered. Everyone seemed conscious and OK, but I only saw the scene for about 15 seconds.”
Most of the passengers were not wearing seatbelts, police said. This lack of restraint led to several victims being ejected from the bus during the crash, while others were trapped in the wreckage for hours. Rescue workers had to extricate those pinned beneath or inside the overturned vehicle. Some uninjured passengers were taken to the Indian Falls Fire Station in East Pembroke for shelter and assistance as the aftermath unfolded.
The crash led to the closure of both eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 90 between exits 48A and 49, causing significant disruption to traffic in the area. Westbound lanes reopened by early evening, with eastbound traffic following later on Friday. The Red Cross established a family reunification center to help connect children and parents who had been separated during the chaotic aftermath, and ConnectLife, a regional blood provider, issued an emergency appeal for blood donations. “Our community is facing a crisis,” said ConnectLife spokeswoman Sarah Diina. “This is one of those moments when your action can directly save lives.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul was briefed on the situation and praised the efforts of local officials and first responders. “My team is coordinating closely with @nyspolice and local officials who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved,” Hochul posted on X (formerly Twitter). Senator Chuck Schumer also weighed in, stating, “I’m closely monitoring the tragic tour bus accident in Western NY. We’re in contact with NTSB and they are en route to the scene to launch an investigation. I’m heartbroken for all those we’ve lost and all those injured and praying for their families. Thank you to our brave first responders on the scene.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been dispatched to investigate the incident, joining state police and other agencies in seeking answers. Authorities have asked anyone with dashcam footage of the crash to come forward as the investigation continues. While the cause is believed to be driver distraction, officials are working to confirm exactly what led to such a devastating loss of life.
This tragedy echoes a troubling history of serious bus accidents on New York highways. In recent years, the state has seen several major incidents, including a 2024 crash in Lake George that killed one and injured many, and a 2023 crash that took the lives of two Farmingdale High School students. Friday’s accident stands out for its scale and the international makeup of those affected, underscoring the importance of robust safety measures for all travelers on America’s roads.
In the aftermath, the community has rallied to provide support, blood donations, and comfort to the victims and their families. As the investigation proceeds and survivors begin the long process of recovery, the events near Pembroke serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and fragility of life on the open road.
