A bus carrying more than 50 tourists home from a visit to Niagara Falls collapsed in New York state on Friday, killing many and injuring others, according to officials.
According to police, a large number of the passengers returning to New York City were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino origin.
According to state police spokesperson James O’Callaghan, the bus had been to Niagara Falls, on the Canadian border, for the day and was on its way home when the accident occurred east of Buffalo.
“For unknown reasons, the vehicle lost control, went into the median, overcorrected and ended up in the ditch,” O’Callaghan said.
“This bus was going full speed. It did not hit any other vehicle.”
According to a police official, several persons remain trapped in the debris, while others were thrown on impact. Local television displayed images of the seriously damaged bus on its side.
Translators were dispatched to the area to aid communication with the victims.
One child was among the dead, the spokesman said, without offering a specific death toll.
“There are many serious injuries, and as was just announced by New York State Police, there are multiple fatalities,” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said on X.
A hospital spokeswoman told AFP that at least 21 individuals were brought to Erie County Medical Centre.
The rescue operation required eight helicopters, according to Margaret Ferrentino, president of Mercy Flight, a nonprofit provider of air ambulance services.
“The driver is alive and well—we’re working with him. We believe we have a good idea of what happened and why the bus lost control. We just want to make sure that all the details are thoroughly vetted,” O’Callaghan said.
State Governor Kathy Hochul stated that her team was cooperating with state police and local officials “who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved.”
“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,” said the senior US senator from New York, Chuck Schumer.
Niagara Falls, a towering waterfall that spans the US-Canada border, is a popular tourist destination.
