Five passengers were killed Friday when a tourist bus returning from Niagara Falls crashed on a New York state highway after the driver became distracted, police said, APA reports, citing Al Arabiya.
The accident happened near Pembroke, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Buffalo, as the bus headed back to New York City. The passengers were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino origin, authorities said.
“It’s believed the operator became distracted, lost control, overcorrected and ended up… over there,” New York state police commander Major Andre Ray said at the scene Friday evening.
No other passengers were in life-threatening condition, Ray added. Several people received medical treatment and were released.
Fifty-four people were aboard the bus when it crashed, US media reported. Earlier police briefings suggesting children were among the victims were later corrected.
Ray said mechanical error, impairment, or intoxication had been ruled out. Translators were sent to assist survivors, and eight helicopters were involved in the rescue effort, according to Mercy Flight, a nonprofit air ambulance provider.
Governor Kathy Hochul said her office was coordinating with state police and local officials “who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved.”
“I’m heartbroken for all those we’ve lost and all those injured and praying for their families,” Senator Chuck Schumer said. “Thank you to our brave first responders on the scene.”
Niagara Falls, located on the US–Canada border, is one of North America’s most popular tourist destinations.
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