New York Bus Crash Victims: Remembering the 5 Killed

A routine journey from a natural wonder to the urban heart of America ended in unimaginable tragedy on a western New York highway. The investigation into a devastating New York bus crash that claimed five lives is now centering on potential driver distraction as the primary cause, according to official statements from investigating bodies. The fatal incident has left families across the globe in mourning and raised urgent questions about tour bus safety.

The crash occurred around 12:40 p.m. on Friday near Pembroke, New York. The bus, operated by Staten Island-based M & Y Tour Inc., was transporting 52 passengers and a tour guide from Niagara Falls back to New York City. New York State Police reported that the vehicle exited the roadway into the median before the driver abruptly overcorrected. This action caused the bus to overturn and roll off the interstate into a ditch, ejecting and trapping multiple passengers.

Who were the victims of the New York bus crash?

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the five deceased victims have been formally identified. They represented a diverse group of individuals with connections to local communities and international institutions. The victims have been named as:

• Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, of Madhu Bani, India.
• Pinki Changrani, 60, of East Brunswick, New Jersey.
• Xie Hongzhuo, 22, a Columbia University student from Beijing, China.
• Zhang Xiaolan, 55, of Jersey City, New Jersey.
• Jian Mingli, 56, of Jersey City, New Jersey.

Dozens of other passengers were injured and transported to multiple regional hospitals, including Erie County Medical Center and Strong Memorial Hospital. The scale of the emergency required a significant response from numerous EMS crews and the deployment of Mercy Flight air ambulances.

What caused the New York tour bus to crash?

While the official investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) remains ongoing, early findings have pointed toward a critical factor. Officials stated that the driver, identified as 55-year-old Bin Shao of Flushing, New York, may have become distracted. According to the NTSB’s account, the bus first veered left into the median before sharply moving right across all travel lanes and ultimately rolling over.

Authorities have confirmed that initial assessments ruled out both mechanical failure and driver impairment as contributing factors. The NTSB has launched a parallel safety investigation to examine all elements, including driver qualifications, fatigue, and performance. Investigators have also recovered a camera from the scene, believed to be from the bus, which may provide crucial video evidence of the moments leading up to the crash.

This tragic event underscores the devastating consequences of a momentary lapse in focus behind the wheel, transforming a family trip into a national headline and a profound loss for communities in New Jersey, New York, and abroad.

Must Know

What company operated the crashed bus?
The bus was operated by M & Y Tour Inc., a company based in Staten Island, New York. It was transporting passengers from Niagara Falls to New York City at the time of the accident.

Where exactly did the New York bus crash happen?
The crash occurred on the eastbound I-90 (New York State Thruway) near Exit 48A, in the area of Pembroke in Genesee County. The speed limit on that stretch of highway is 65 miles per hour.

Was the bus driver injured in the crash?
The driver, identified as Bin Shao, survived the crash. Police have stated he showed no signs of impairment and that mechanical failure has been ruled out as a cause.

How many people were on the bus during the accident?
There were a total of 54 people on the bus at the time of the rollover. This included 52 passengers, one tour guide, and the driver.

What is the NTSB’s role in the investigation?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting its own safety investigation parallel to the police probe. They are examining human performance factors like driver fatigue and distraction, as well as vehicle mechanics and overall safety protocols.