A Niagara Falls to New York City tour bus carrying 54 passengers overturned on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, New York, on August 22, 2025, killing five adults and injuring over 40 people. The driver became distracted, lost control, and rolled the bus onto its side.
Victims came from multiple countries including India, China, the Philippines, and the Middle East. Emergency responders airlifted the injured to hospitals, most expected to survive. Authorities ruled out mechanical fault and driver impairment, with investigations ongoing and officials offering condolences and support to affected families.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
The accident took place approximately 40 kilometres east of Buffalo on a busy interstate highway. According to New York State Police Major Andre Ray, the driver was distracted and made an overcorrection that caused the bus to swerve off the road and tip over.
Witnesses reported seeing passengers thrown from the bus and trapped beneath. Emergency services quickly responded, deploying ambulances and helicopters to transport injured passengers to nearby hospitals, including Erie County Medical Center and the University of Rochester Medical Center. Of the injured, two remain in critical condition, while most others are expected to recover.
The vehicle, operated by M&Y Tour Inc., held a satisfactory safety rating with no recent violations. Officials confirmed no other vehicles were involved in the crash.
The bus driver survived the crash and is cooperating with investigators. Authorities confirmed that most passengers were not wearing seat belts, contributing to the high number of ejections and injuries during the overturn. The bus company has been operational since 2012 with a solid safety record.
Background and Investigation Update
The bus was returning from a day tour of Niagara Falls, a renowned tourist destination near the US-Canada border. Passengers included a wide age range from young children to older adults, although initial reports of child casualties were corrected, all fatalities were adults.
The diversity of passengers prompted authorities to bring in translators to assist communication. Governor Kathy Hochul expressed sorrow over the incident and assured that state agencies are coordinating support for victims and their families.
The National Transportation Safety Board has sent a special “go-team” to investigate the exact causes of the crash amid ongoing analysis excluding driver intoxication and mechanical failure. Local community groups have initiated blood and organ donation drives to aid the injured.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragedy highlights the critical importance of vigilance and safety in road travel to protect lives. At The Logical Indian, we stand with those affected, condemning all negligence and urging for reinforced safety protocols and emergency preparedness. We believe that fostering empathy and solidarity across diverse communities during times of crisis nurtures peace and harmony.
Transportation mishaps transcend borders, reminding us all to prioritise kindness, responsibility, and proactive care.
The @nyspolice have confirmed that among those injured in today’s bus accident in Western New York, five lives were tragically lost.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) August 22, 2025
Our hearts are with their loved ones during this difficult time.
