Tour bus crash in New York kills multiple passengers

A serious tour bus crash occurred on Friday, August 22, 2025, on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke, about 30 miles east of Buffalo. The bus was returning to New York City from Niagara Falls and was carrying between 52 and 54 people, including the driver. The crash resulted in at least five fatalities and dozens of injuries, with some victims—including children—trapped inside or ejected from the bus during the accident.

Authorities report that most passengers were not wearing seat belts at the time, which led to many being thrown from the vehicle as it rolled over into a ditch at full speed. The bus did not collide with any other vehicles; the cause of the crash is believed to be the driver losing control, possibly due to a distraction or overcorrection, but impairment and mechanical failure have been ruled out at this stage.

The passengers were primarily tourists of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent. Multiple hospitals in the region, including Erie County Medical Center and other area facilities, treated dozens of patients for injuries ranging from minor abrasions to critical trauma. Emergency responders, including medical helicopters, were actively involved in rescue operations, and translators were brought to the scene to assist non-English-speaking victims.

The tour bus, operated by M&Y Tour Inc., was severely damaged. The driver survived and is cooperating with investigators. The highway was closed in both directions for rescue and recovery operations.

Five people have died, and dozens are injured.

No children are among the fatalities, though some child passengers were injured.

The lone vehicle crash occurred at high speed, with most passengers unbuckled.

The majority of those on board were of Asian descent.

The cause is under investigation; early indications point to loss of control without another vehicle’s involvement.