August 23, 2025 — 10:45 AM ET
PEMBROKE, N.Y. — A devastating crash occurred Friday afternoon around 12:22 p.m. ET when a tour bus traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City lost control on Interstate 90 near Exit 48A and overturned, according to New York State Police AP NewsWKBW 7 News BuffaloNew York State Police.
Initial investigations indicate the driver became distracted, causing the vehicle to enter the median, overcorrect, and flip onto the south embankment. Mechanical failure and driver impairment have both been ruled out AP NewsPeople.comNew York State Police.
Of the 54 people onboard—including two employees and 52 passengers aged 1 to 74—five have been confirmed deceased, all adults. Early reports suggesting child fatalities were later clarified as inaccurate AP NewsPeople.comABC News.
Emergency Response & Medical Update
Emergency crews, including multiple medical helicopters, transported more than 40 individuals to area hospitals. Erie County Medical Center treated 24 patients, some requiring surgery or trauma care; Kaleida Health facilities treated others, and Strong Memorial, Oishei Children’s, and Buffalo General also received victims AP NewsPeople.comABC News.
Dr. Samuel Cloud, Chief Medical Officer at ECMC, described it as “probably the most trauma patients from one incident in my career here in Buffalo” People.com.
Demographics, Investigation & Road Impact
Passengers were predominantly of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent, prompting the use of on-scene translators AP NewsABC News.
Traffic was halted in both directions between exits 48A and 49. Westbound lanes reopened later in the day; eastbound remained closed for continued investigation and cleanup AP NewsABC NewsWHEC.com.
The NTSB has dispatched a go-team to the site to assist in the investigation AP NewsABC News.
Why This Matters to U.S. Readers
- Public Safety & Transit Policy: The crash underlines critical discussions about seat belt usage, commercial vehicle safety standards, and driver training.
- Community Impact: This tragedy deeply affects immigrant communities and underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and support.
- Infrastructure & Emergency Coordination: Highlights the speed and scale of regional response and the importance of streamlined coordination in mass-casualty events.
FAQ
There were 54 people onboard—52 passengers and two employees. Five adults were confirmed dead.
No. Early reports suggested a child fatality, but authorities later confirmed that no children died. Several children did sustain non-life-threatening injuries People.comABC News
Officials believe the driver became distracted, lost control, and overcorrected. Mechanical failure and driver impairment have been dismissed AP NewsNew York State Police
The NTSB is on-site investigating. State police continue their inquiry; no charges have been filed, and the driver is fully cooperative.
Injured passengers were treated at Erie County Medical Center, Kaleida Health hospitals, Strong Memorial, Oishei Children’s Hospital, and others. Many are stable or recovering.
Important Highlights
- 5 adults died, 49+ injured in Pembroke crash.
- Some passengers were ejected, most lacked seat belts.
- NTSB actively investigating; mechanical and impairment ruled out.
- Multicultural passenger group draws attention to community care.
- Significant traffic disruptions on a major U.S. interstate.
