Tour bus accident in New York claims lives of 5 individuals, including a student from Columbia University, following a visit to Niagara Falls

In a shocking incident, a tour bus crash occurred on the New York State Thruway in Pembroke, approximately 40 minutes from Buffalo, on Friday. The incident, which took place on a rural section of Interstate 90, involved a tour bus returning from Niagara Falls.

The tour bus was operated by M&Y Tour Incorporated, a Staten Island-based tour company. The driver of the bus, Bin Shao, had no signs of impairment, and the bus showed no signs of mechanical failure.

The tragic incident resulted in at least five fatalities, including children, and left 21 patients in need of medical attention. Among the victims was Xie Hongzhuo, a 22-year-old student from Beijing, China, who was studying in New York City.

The Erie County Medical Center treated all the patients from the crash. Currently, five patients remain in the trauma intensive care unit, while six were admitted in stable condition. Seven patients have already been discharged. It is unclear if any additional victims were taken to other area hospitals.

Three patients are in the observation unit pending discharge. The university where Xie Hongzhuo was a student is mourning her death and offering support to her family.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police and the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, assisted in the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the tour bus crash. However, the driver of the overturned tour bus has not been explicitly named in the available search results.

The tour bus was taken to state police barracks as evidence. The Genesee County Fire Department, University of Rochester Medical Center, and Kaleida Health did not immediately respond to inquiries about the incident.

This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly when travelling on long journeys. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.

Tour bus accident in New York claims lives of 5 individuals, including a student from Columbia University, following a visit to Niagara Falls