Five Fatalities Reported Near Buffalo, Investigation Underway

A tragic bus accident in New York state resulted in five fatalities on Friday. The incident occurred near Pembroke, not far from Buffalo. The bus was transporting 54 individuals from Niagara Falls to New York City when the crash took place. Initial reports suggest the driver may have been distracted, leading to an overcorrection in an attempt to regain control of the vehicle. Images from the scene depicted emergency services responding to the overturned bus.

Emergency medical helicopters were deployed to transport the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. The New York Times reported that at least two children and two adults were airlifted for medical care. Sky News confirmed that all five individuals who were pronounced dead at the scene were adults. The passengers ranged in age from one to 74 years old. Several passengers sustained injuries, with some reportedly trapped beneath the bus.

New York State Police (NYSP) spokesperson James O’Callaghan informed reporters that it is believed many of the passengers were not wearing seatbelts. New York Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the accident via social media, stating that her team was coordinating with the NYSP and local officials to provide assistance to those affected. New York State Attorney General Letitia James expressed her sorrow over the crash, offering prayers for those impacted and gratitude to the first responders involved in the rescue efforts.