Tragedy on the Thruway: Bus From Niagara Falls to NYC Crashes, 5 Killed

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POSTED: August 23, 2025

PEMBROKE, NY — New York State Police say five people were killed and dozens more injured after a tour bus overturned Thursday afternoon on the New York State Thruway.

Troopers out of SP Buffalo, Troop T, responded to the crash just after 12:20 p.m. on Interstate 90 eastbound, between exits 48A and 49 in the town of Pembroke.

Investigators determined the bus, owned by M&Y Tour Inc., was traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City when it veered into the median. The driver attempted to correct, causing the bus to overturn and roll down an embankment on the south side of the highway.

The bus was carrying 54 passengers. Several were ejected or trapped inside the wreckage. Five were pronounced dead at the scene. Multiple others were transported to area hospitals, including Erie County Medical Center, Strong Memorial, Millard Fillmore Suburban, and United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. Mercy Flight, EMS crews, and fire departments from across the region responded to the crash.

State Police say the driver showed no signs of impairment, and no mechanical failures were found with the vehicle. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The American Red Cross has set up a Family Assistance Center for victims’ relatives at the Amherst Senior Center, 370 John James Audubon Parkway, Buffalo. Families can call (716) 626-3050 for support.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dash cam footage is asked to contact State Police in Batavia at (585) 344-6200.

Agencies assisting on scene included the Collision Reconstruction Unit, Forensic Identification Unit, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security, NYS Thruway Authority, and multiple county emergency management offices and fire companies.