A tragic bus crash on Interstate 90 near Pembroke has left five people dead and dozens more injured. The tourist bus, carrying 52 passengers back from Niagara Falls to New York, rolled into a ditch after losing control on Friday.

According to state police, the vehicle veered into the median, overcorrected, and ended up overturning. A tractor-trailer was also involved in the incident, though investigators have not yet determined why the bus rolled.

Witnesses described shattered glass, scattered belongings, and heavy damage to the full-sized tour bus. Police noted that many passengers were ejected because they were not wearing seatbelts. Emergency crews, including Mercy Flight helicopters, transported victims to area hospitals.

Of the 52 passengers, ages ranged from 1 to 74. Five were confirmed dead, while 49 others sustained injuries. Erie County Medical Center treated 24 victims, with some in surgery and intensive care. Doctors described the incident as one of the largest mass trauma events in recent Buffalo history.

The passengers were primarily from China, the Philippines, and India. Translators were brought to assist families at the scene. Authorities confirmed children were hospitalized but said none had serious physical injuries.

State Police stated that driver impairment and mechanical failure have been ruled out. The driver survived and is cooperating with investigators. No charges have been filed as the cause of the crash remains under review.

Governor Kathy Hochul called the crash “tragic” and pledged support for victims, while Senator Chuck Schumer and other lawmakers expressed condolences and praised first responders for their efforts.