Tour Bus Rollover on I-90 Near Pembroke Causes Multiple Fatalities and Injuries

PEMBROKE, N.Y. – A charter bus with over 50 passengers overturned Friday afternoon. This happened on Interstate 90 eastbound between exits 48A (Pembroke) and 49 (Depew). Sadly, there were multiple fatalities and many injuries. All lanes of the Thruway are closed in both directions. Emergency crews are still working on rescue and recovery efforts.

At approximately 1:00 p.m. on August 22, 2025, New York State Police received reports of a “mass casualty” bus crash. State Police Trooper James O’Callahan said the bus lost control. It went into the median, crossed to the south shoulder, and flipped onto its side. Several Mercy Flight helicopters and ambulances were sent to take the most critically injured to nearby hospitals.

Preliminary information indicates:

  • The bus was returning to New York City from Niagara Falls with at least 52 people on board, including the driver.
  • Many adult and child passengers were thrown from or stuck inside the vehicle. This led to a big extraction operation.
  • At least two kids and two adults were airlifted to medical centers in Buffalo by early afternoon.
  • State Police confirmed several fatalities. Exact numbers are not available yet, as they are waiting to notify next-of-kin.

Governor Kathy Hochul tweeted that her team is working with State Police and local responders. They are helping victims and managing the Thruway closure. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said there are big detours. Westbound traffic is directed off at Exit 48A. Eastbound traffic is rerouted at Exit 49. This will stay until the scene is cleared.

State Police Thruway Authority and Genesee County Sheriff’s Office investigators are exploring what caused the crash. They are considering factors such as mechanical failure and the state of the roadway. The public should stay away from the area and take other routes. Cleanup and repair crews need to work on reopening the interstate.

This remains a developing story. Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.