A tour bus in New York State crashed on Interstate 90 between Rochester and Buffalo, closing a portion of the highway. Injuries and multiple fatalities have been reported.
In a post on Facebook, the New York State Police said that all lanes on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, New York, were closed and told travelers to expect heavy delays. According to reporting from Spectrum News 1, police said 52 people were inside the bus at the time of the crash.
State police on scene updated the media Friday afternoon, confirming there are multiple fatalities as a result of the rollover, including children, as well as several people trapped. Dozens have been taken to local hospitals for treatment, according to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network.
The tour bus, chartered from New York City, was returning to the city from Niagara Falls when the bus lost control, entered the median and crossed to the southern shoulder before overturning, witnesses reported to state police, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle reported.
'The most trauma patients we've had': Hospital chief says
Dozens of the people injured in the crash have been taken by helicopter or ground transport to local hospitals for treatment, the Rochester Democrat reported.
"I've been here 25 years … This is probably the most trauma patients we've had from one incident in my career here in Buffalo," said Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Samuel Cloud.
ECMC has received 24 patients — two are currently in trauma ICU and two others are in the operating room, officials said. The remaining 20 are actively receiving treatment in the emergency department. Multiple ECMC doctors also went to the scene to help treat patients.
Six people injured in Friday's bus crash are being treated at the University of Rochester Medical Center, URMC said in a statement. Two patients are being treated for critical injuries, and four are medically stable, including a child.
Mercy Flight, an organization that provides emergency medical transport, responded to the bus crash scene with eight helicopters and 17 ground division EMS units, transporting 19 patients, according to officials.
Governor, officials respond
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said that she had been briefed on the crash on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 22.
“My team is coordinating closely with @nyspolice and local officials who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved,” Hochul's X post said.
Senator Chuck Schumer thanked first responders in a statement released on Aug. 22:
“I’m closely monitoring the tragic tour bus accident in Western NY. We’re in contact with NTSB and they are en route to the scene to launch an investigation. 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.”
This is a developing story and has been updated with new information.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tour bus crashes near Pembroke, NY; injuries, fatalities reported
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