A devastating tour bus crash on a New York State highway has resulted in the deaths of five people, with many more injured.
The bus, which was returning from a day trip to Niagara Falls, crashed and rolled onto its side on an interstate highway about 40km east of the northern city of Buffalo on Friday.
According to police, the bus driver became distracted, lost control of the vehicle at “full speed”, and oversteered, causing the bus to flip over and come to a rest in a ditch.
The bus was carrying 54 people, including passengers from China, India, the Middle East, the Philippines, and the US. Translators were sent to the scene to help communicate with the victims.
More than 40 people were evaluated and treated for injuries ranging from head trauma to broken arms and legs. The Mercy Flight medical transport service said its three helicopters and three more from other services transported people from the crash site to hospitals in the area.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said her team was coordinating with state police and local officials “who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved”.
Blood and organ donor network Connect Life issued a call for blood donors to come forward in the wake of the crash. “I’m heartbroken for all those we’ve lost and all those injured and praying for their families. Thank you to our brave first responders on the scene,” senior US senator from New York Chuck Schumer said.
The National Transportation Safety Board said it was sending a team to New York to investigate the crash. Authorities have ruled out mechanical failure and driver health issues, and said no other vehicles were involved. The investigation is ongoing, but police suspect driver distraction was the likely cause of the crash.
The bus was returning from a day trip to the popular tourist destination of Niagara Falls – towering waterfalls that span the US-Canada border – when the accident occurred. The crash has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and support for the victims and their families.
As the investigation continues, many are left wondering how such a tragedy could occur and what can be done to prevent similar accidents in the future.