Fatal NYS Thruway Crash Closes I-90 in Pembroke

A routine return trip from a scenic destination turned into a scene of tragedy on Friday when a tour bus crashed on the New York State Thruway, resulting in five fatalities and leaving dozens injured. The catastrophic NYS Thruway tour bus accident has shut down a significant portion of Interstate 90 and prompted a large-scale emergency response in the town of Pembroke.

The bus, which was carrying 54 passengers back to New York City from Niagara Falls, crashed and rolled over shortly before 12:30 p.m. on the eastbound side of I-90. The location, approximately 40 kilometers east of Buffalo, became the site of a massive rescue operation. Preliminary information from a state police news conference indicates the driver may have become distracted, leading to a loss of control. The vehicle reportedly overcorrected, went onto the right shoulder, and then overturned. The exact cause of the distraction remains under active investigation.

What to Do If You Witness a Major Highway Accident?

The immediate aftermath of a major collision requires calm and precise action. The first and most critical step is to ensure your own safety; pull over to a secure location away from the flow of traffic if possible. Immediately contact emergency services by dialing 911, providing the dispatcher with the exact location, the number of vehicles involved, and any visible hazards. While waiting for help, do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless there is an immediate danger, such as a fire. The swift and coordinated response by New York State Police and local emergency crews at the Pembroke crash site exemplifies the professional protocols followed in such devastating events.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed her office was informed of the “tragic tour bus accident” and stated that her administration is coordinating with officials to provide all necessary assistance to the victims and their families. The New York State Thruway Authority issued a stark warning to motorists, announcing the complete closure of I-90 in both directions between exits 48A (Pembroke) and 49 (Depew). Travelers were strongly advised to seek alternate routes and avoid the area entirely due to expected extensive delays and ongoing emergency operations.

Visuals from the scene circulated on social media, depicting a bus on its side off the roadway and a long line of backed-up traffic, underscoring the severity of the incident that officials have classified as a mass casualty event.

The devastating NYS Thruway tour bus accident is a somber reminder of the fragility of life on the road. As authorities work to clear the scene and investigate the precise sequence of events, the community mourns the lives lost and rallies to support the injured and their families during this profoundly difficult time. Our thoughts are with all those affected.

Must Know

What caused the NYS Thruway tour bus accident?
The cause is currently under investigation by New York State Police. Preliminary reports from officials suggest the bus driver may have become distracted, leading to a loss of control. The vehicle overcorrected, left the roadway, and overturned.

How many people were killed in the Pembroke bus crash?
Five people lost their lives in the accident. The bus was carrying a total of 54 passengers at the time of the crash.

Where exactly did the tour bus accident happen?
The crash occurred on the eastbound side of Interstate 90 (I-90) in Pembroke, New York. This is approximately 40 kilometers east of the city of Buffalo.

Is the NYS Thruway closed after the accident?
Yes, following the crash, the New York State Thruway Authority closed I-90 in both directions between exit 48A (Pembroke) and exit 49 (Depew). Motorists must use alternate routes.

What was the bus’s route?
The tour bus was returning to New York City from the popular tourist destination of Niagara Falls when the accident occurred.

What is the status of the investigation?
The investigation is active and ongoing. Law enforcement is working to determine the full cause of the crash and will likely examine factors like driver history, vehicle maintenance records, and road conditions.