News Summary
A devastating tour bus accident near Pembroke, New York, has resulted in the deaths of five individuals. The bus, traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City, lost control leading to this tragic incident. The victims include individuals from various locations, and many passengers sustained injuries. Authorities are investigating potential causes, including driver distraction and seat belt usage. Community support and assistance efforts are underway for the victims and their families as the investigation progresses.
Tragic Tour Bus Crash Claims Five Lives in New York
On Friday afternoon, a devastating accident involving a tour bus occurred near Pembroke, New York, leaving five individuals dead and many more injured. The bus was on its way from the breathtaking Niagara Falls to New York City when tragedy struck just before 1 p.m.
Victims Identified
The five lives lost in this unfortunate incident have been confirmed:
- Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, from Madhubani, India
- Pinki Changrani, 60, from East Brunswick, New Jersey
- Xie Hongzhuo, 22, a Columbia University student from Beijing, China
- Zhang Xiaolan, 55, from Jersey City, New Jersey
- Jian Mingli, 56, also from Jersey City, New Jersey
Authorities Respond
The bus, managed by M&Y Tour Inc. based in Staten Island, reportedly lost control on the Interstate 90, approximately 40 minutes from Buffalo. Eyewitnesses described watching in horror as the bus overturned, scattering personal belongings across the highway. Of the 54 passengers on board, including the driver and tour guide, many were thrown from the vehicle or became trapped underneath.
Injuries and Hospitalizations
The Erie County Medical Center disclosed that they treated a total of 21 patients, with 14 of them in stable condition. Among those injured were several children, and various local hospitals are currently providing care for the victims.
The Investigation Begins
The driver of the bus, Bin Shao, 55, from Flushing, New York, reportedly became distracted, leading to the loss of control. Authorities confirmed he showed no signs of impairment, and the bus itself did not have any mechanical issues, with the speed at the time of the crash not specifically mentioned, though it was noted the vehicle was driving at “full speed,” in accordance with the 65 mph speed limit on I-90.
Ongoing Support
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Columbia University expressed its profound sorrow over the loss of Xie Hongzhuo and is offering support services to fellow students affected by this heartbreaking event. The Chinese and Philippine Consulate Generals are actively involved, offering assistance to their nationals impacted by the crash.
Healthcare and Community Efforts
In response to the heightened need for blood donations, local organizations are rallying support, encouraging community members to donate in light of the injuries sustained by passengers. A family assistance center has also been established to cater to the needs of victims and their families, offering essential services including translators and emotional support.
What’s Next?
The investigation into the crash is underway, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) taking the lead to assess various factors including the mechanical condition of the bus, highway design, and driver performance. Initial reports suggest that a lack of seat belt usage may have contributed to the severity of the injuries, with considerations being made as to whether the existing seat belt laws applied to the 2005 bus.
Preliminary Findings
A preliminary report from the NTSB is expected within the next 30 days, but comprehensive results may take anywhere from 12 to 24 months. Currently, no charges have been filed against the driver as authorities continue to gather information on this tragic incident.
FAQs
What caused the tour bus accident?
The driver reportedly became distracted, leading to the loss of control of the vehicle, which resulted in the crash.
How many people were on the bus?
The bus had 54 people on board, including the driver and a tour guide.
What support is being offered to victims’ families?
A family assistance center has been set up, providing support services such as translators and emotional assistance to victims and their families.
Are there any updates on the investigation?
The NTSB is investigating several factors, including the mechanical condition of the bus and potential lack of seat belt usage. A preliminary report is expected in 30 days.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Accident | Friday, near Pembroke, New York |
| Number of Victims | 5 fatalities, numerous injuries including children |
| Bus Company | M&Y Tour Inc. |
| Investigation Agency | National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) |
| Emergency Response | Local police, EMS, fire units, air ambulances |
| Support Offered | Family assistance center, counseling services, blood donation appeals |
| Investigation Focus | Driver performance, mechanical condition, highway design |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox News: Columbia University Student Among 5 Killed in New York Tour Bus Crash
- BBC News: Tour Bus Tragedy in New York
- New York Times: Details Emerge from New York Bus Crash
- CNN: New York State Thruway Crash Overview
- ABC News: New York Thruway Tour Bus Crash
- Wikipedia: Tour Bus Accidents in the United States
- Google Search: New York Tour Bus Crash
- Google Scholar: Tour Bus Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bus Transport
- Google News: New York Bus Accident
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