Latest Update: Deadly Tour Bus Crash in Upstate New York Kills Multiple, Dozens Injured on I-90

A horrific tour bus crash in Upstate New York has left multiple people dead and over two dozen injured, including at least one child, in one of the worst road tragedies of the year. The crash happened Friday afternoon, August 22, on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, as the chartered bus was returning from Niagara Falls to New York City.

Emergency crews, trauma teams, and air ambulances responded rapidly to what has now become one of the largest mass casualty incidents in the Buffalo region in recent memory.

What Caused the Deadly Tour Bus Crash in Upstate New York?

According to initial reports from state authorities, the tour bus carrying 52 individuals, including the driver, lost control, entered the median, and then rolled over into a ditch off the southern shoulder of the highway.

The bus was carrying a diverse group of travelers, including several children and non-English-speaking tourists. Witnesses reported that the vehicle flipped at least once, causing passengers to be ejected and trapped.

While the exact cause remains under investigation, officials are considering possibilities such as driver error, mechanical failure, or road conditions. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts are now being reviewed.

Injuries, Fatalities and Hospital Response: What We Know So Far

Multiple fatalities were confirmed at the scene, including one child. Emergency personnel transported at least 24 passengers to hospitals in Buffalo and Rochester. Some were airlifted by Mercy Flight helicopters, while others were moved via ground ambulances.

Among those hospitalized, several are undergoing surgery and two remain in critical condition. Trauma units at Erie County Medical Center have described the situation as the highest volume of injuries from a single incident in decades.

Medical staff worked through the night to stabilize patients, with several requiring orthopedic and internal trauma treatment. Emotional support teams and translators were also deployed due to the mix of ethnic backgrounds among the victims.

Traffic Delays and Highway Closures After the Crash

The crash caused immediate closures of Interstate 90 in both directions, resulting in massive delays. Westbound lanes reopened by evening, but eastbound lanes were kept closed for several hours as investigators worked at the scene.

Motorists were advised to seek alternate routes and expect residual congestion into the next day. The crash site required extensive clearing operations, with debris and personal items scattered over a wide area.

New York Officials React to the Bus Crash Tragedy

Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the incident publicly, offering condolences to the families affected and promising full support for the investigation. Her office confirmed coordination with State Police and emergency agencies.

Attorney General Letitia James called the tragedy “a shocking and painful reminder of how fragile life can be,” urging the public to extend support to those impacted.

Officials emphasized the importance of seat belt use, noting that many passengers were not restrained at the time of the crash, contributing to the high injury count.

Past Tour Bus Crashes in New York: A Pattern of Tragedy

While the August 22 crash is devastating, it is not an isolated event. New York has seen multiple serious tour bus accidents in recent years:

• November 2024: 28 injured in a crash on I-490 in the town of Chili

• January 2024: One dead, 10 injured in Lake George on I-87

• September 2023: Two students killed en route to a band camp

• August 2021: 57 injured west of Syracuse

• June 2002: Five killed, 41 injured on I-90 near Victor

These incidents continue to raise questions about oversight, maintenance standards, and driver training in the charter bus industry.

This latest update on the tour bus crash in Upstate New York serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for stronger safety protocols, both on the roads and within the transportation industry.

For your information:

What is the latest update on the Upstate New York tour bus crash?
Multiple people have been confirmed dead, including a child, and over 24 others were hospitalized. The crash is under active investigation by state authorities.

Where did the bus crash happen in New York?
The accident occurred on Interstate 90 in Pembroke, between Buffalo and Rochester, during the afternoon of August 22.

How many people were on the bus?
There were 52 people onboard, including the driver. Many of them were tourists returning to New York City from Niagara Falls.

What caused the bus to overturn?
The exact cause is still unknown, but early evidence suggests the bus lost control, veered off the highway, and flipped. Authorities are investigating all possible factors.

Who responded to the emergency?
Multiple agencies, including State Police, local fire departments, EMS units, and air medical teams, responded immediately. Hospitals in Buffalo and Rochester received the injured.

Has the bus company made a statement?
As of now, no public statement has been released by the charter bus company involved in the accident.