Fatal bus crush on upstate NY claims several lives on return from Niagara Falls

A tragic accident involving a tour bus occurred on Friday afternoon, August 22, 2025.

The New York State Police reported that the accident caused multiple fatalities including, children, and dozens of injuries.

There were 52 passengers on the bus which was on a return trip to New York City from Niagara Falls. 

Unfortunately, the bus overturned near Pembroke, between Rochester and Buffalo.

Witnesses promptly informed the authorities about the crash, which resulted in an immediate response from the rescue and police departments.

It is reported that the bus lost control, entered the median, and crossed to the opposite shoulder before rolling over onto its side.

To facilitate the rescue operation, a portion of the highway was closed with multiple helicopters and ground units supporting the operation.

Taking to Facebook, New York Police informed the citizens, “I-90, Pembroke- All lanes closed due to a collision involving a bus. Expect heavy delays and alternate routes of travel.”

Various passengers were trapped in the wreckage that the rescue officers extracted. All injured individuals were shifted to hospitals for immediate medical aid via air and ground ambulances.

Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo received 24 patients with two in the trauma intensive care unit (ICU) and two others undergoing critical surgery.

Six patients are being treated in the University of Rochester Medical Center, where two of them are in critical condition.

The community and authorities have expressed heartbreak over the loss of life and extended prayers to the victims and their families.