Serious bus accident in New York: several dead, including children

Serious bus accident in New York: several dead, including children

A trip to Niagara Falls ended in tragedy Friday when a tour bus carrying about 50 passengers that was heading back to New York City plunged into a ditch. Several people, including children, were killed. Rescue efforts are underway for those still trapped, authorities reported.

Unexplained causes of the accident

Authorities believe most passengers were not wearing seatbelts because several people were thrown from the bus during the accident. The bus suffered significant damage, said New York State Police spokesman James O'Callaghan. “We believe a child is among those killed,” he added.

Emergency services and reception of injured people

Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo confirmed it has admitted 24 patients, 20 of whom are currently being treated. As the investigation progresses, it remains unclear how this accident occurred. However, O'Callaghan said authorities have a "good idea" of what caused the bus to tip over, without providing further details.

Description of the accident

The bus was traveling at high speed and did not collide with any other vehicles, but lost control as it crossed the center island, O'Callaghan said. Helicopters, ambulances and police officers descended on the scene, where the bus was on its side and scores of people had gathered around it. A passenger list provided by the bus company confirms there were 52 people on board, including the driver, police said in a statement.

Witness reports and current developments

“Several witnesses observed the bus lose control, enter the center island, then move to the south edge of the roadway and overturn,” state police reported in a statement Press release. The state Department of Transportation is trying to help people stranded on the highway due to the incident. The portion of the Thruway highway affected by the crash is currently closed in both directions, state police said.

Reactions from politicians and authorities

"It's a very volatile scene. We have vehicles going the wrong way on 90," O'Callaghan said of the situation, describing the area as "high traffic." The driver of the bus is “alive and well” and cooperating with authorities. Some of the victims were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. New York Governor Kathy Hochul called the accident "tragic" and said first responders were "working to rescue and assist everyone involved" in a post on X.

CNN has contacted the US embassies of the Philippines, China and India for comment. This is a developing story that will be updated.

This report was written in part by CNN's Nic F. Anderson.