5 Killed in New York Tourist Bus Crash; Indians Among Passengers

Five passengers in a tourist bus died when the driver lost control and crashed on a New York state highway. Indians were among the passengers, but it is not confirmed if they are among the deceased.

The wreck happened 25 miles (40 km) east of Buffalo as the tourists headed back to New York City, after visiting the popular tourist destination, Niagara Falls. The passengers were of Indian, Chinese and Filipino origin.

The New York state police said that the operator became distracted, lost control, over corrected and ended up crashing on the highway. Nobody else is in a critical condition, New York State police commander major Andre Ray said. He said that 54 people were in the bus when it crashed no children were killed. Several passengers received medical treatment and were discharged.

The bus had travelled to Niagara Falls, on the border of Canada and was heading home when the accident occurred on the highway near Pembroke. Translators were sent to the scene to help communicate with the victims. Eight helicopters have been pressed into service for the rescue effort.

The police ruled out mechanical error as well as impairment or intoxication. The driver is alive and well. “We believe we have a good idea of what happened, why the bus lost control. We just want to make sure that all the details are thoroughly vetted,” police said.