New York police have identified the five individuals who died after a tourist bus returning from Niagara Falls crashed on the motorway.
The bus was carrying 54 passengers, most of whom were from India, China, and the Philippines. Some were ejected from the vehicle, while others remained trapped inside the wreckage for several hours, police said. It is believed most were not wearing seat belts.
Witnesses reported seeing the bus lose control and overturn approximately 40 miles (64km) from Niagara Falls, a major tourist destination on the US-Canada border.
The cause of the crash is not known and authorities have urged drivers with dashcam footage to come forward.
In a statement on Saturday, New York State Police identified the five people who were killed in the crash as Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, of India, Pinki Changrani, 60, of New Jersey, Columbia University student Xie Hongzhuo, 22, of China, Zhang Xiaolan, 55, of New Jersey, and Jian Mingli, 56 of New Jersey.
Twenty-four adult patients were admitted to one local hospital, and doctors say they’re expected to make a full recovery. Other area hospitals also received patients, and those under 16 who survived were taken to a children’s hospital.
As of Saturday afternoon,14 patients remain in hospital but are in stable condition, officials said..
Ambulances and medical helicopters were sent to the crash site, near the town of Pembroke, 30 miles (48km) east of the city of Buffalo on Friday.
Andre Ray major, New York State Police troop commander, told a news conference: “The cause of the collision is still under investigation. However, mechanical failure as well as operator impairment have been ruled out at this time.
“The operator has been cooperative and with the investigation still underway. No charges have been filed at this point.”
The bus was heading eastbound and lost control, veering into the median and then into a ditch, according to police.
Several children were on board at the time of the crash, police say.
One witness told The Buffalo News that he saw a bus lying on its side and items strewn on the roadway following the crash.
“There was glass all over the road and people’s stuff all over the road,” said Powell Stephens, who drove past the crash site.
“Windows were all shattered. Everyone seemed conscious and OK, but I only saw the scene for about 15 seconds.”
ConnectLife, an organisation that provides blood to hospitals in the region, has issued an emergency appeal for blood donations.
“Our community is facing a crisis,” said spokeswoman Sarah Diina.
“This is one of those moments when your action can directly save lives,” said Diina.
The Red Cross has opened a family reunification centre to connect children and parents who were transported to different hospitals.
