At least five people were killed and dozens more were injured after a tour bus carrying more than 50 passengers, including Filipino tourists, overturned on Interstate 90 in Pembroke, New York, on Friday afternoon.
The bus, which was returning to New York City from Niagara Falls, veered out of control, rolled multiple times, and landed in a ditch along the New York State Thruway. Authorities said many passengers were thrown from their seats as most were not wearing seatbelts when the crash occurred.
New York State Police confirmed that the passengers were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent. Trooper James O’Callaghan said the accident remains under investigation, but early findings point to driver distraction as the possible cause. Mechanical failure and driver impairment have been ruled out.
The Philippine Consulate in New York is now working with authorities to verify the number and condition of Filipino and Filipino American passengers. In a message to GMA Integrated News, Consul General Senen Mangalile said they have yet to receive confirmation from officials in Buffalo on whether Filipinos were among those killed.
“Still waiting for official word from authorities. Right now they are only giving details to immediate family,” Mangalile explained.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, with helicopters airlifting several of the most critically injured to hospitals across the region, including Erie County Medical Center and Strong Memorial Hospital. In total, nearly 50 people sustained injuries ranging from fractures to head trauma and internal wounds.
The bus carried passengers aged between 1 and 74, officials said. Rescue teams faced challenges at the crash site, as shattered windows and the force of the rollover caused some victims to be ejected from the vehicle.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has joined the New York State Police in conducting a full probe into the tragedy. Governor Kathy Hochul has been briefed, while state officials emphasized the importance of reviewing safety measures for long-distance tour buses.
