New York (USA), Aug. 23 (LaPresse) – The death toll from the accident involving a tour bus headed to New York City from Niagara Falls is five. The vehicle, carrying 52 passengers, crashed and overturned on a highway, causing injuries to many others, authorities reported.
The bus reportedly lost control on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, about 40 kilometers east of Buffalo. Passengers were thrown out when the windows shattered. James O’Callaghan, spokesperson for the New York State Police, said there were also children on board.
The bus was traveling east when it veered into the center lane and then into a ditch on the right side of the road, O’Callaghan explained. Most passengers were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino ethnicity.
“The driver is alive and well. We are working with him. We believe we have a clear idea of what happened and why the bus lost control,” the spokesperson said, without giving further details.
Hospitals in the area reported evaluating or treating more than 40 people. Injuries ranged from head trauma to broken arms and legs.
“This was a large tour bus. The damage is extensive,” O’Callaghan said. “I assume most people on board were not wearing seat belts, which is why so many passengers were thrown out of the bus.”
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