BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Multiple people have died and many were injured in a crash involving a bus on I-90 near Pembroke that occurred Friday afternoon, New York State Police announced.
State police said at least one child is among the dead. Several other people were injured along with multiple others that were trapped under and around the bus. Police said most of the passengers did not have their seatbelts on, resulting in many ejections.
State police said every person on the bus, 52 in total, had some level of injury. The bus was traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City. Many of the nationalities among those injured are Indian, Chinese and Philippine. Police said there were language barriers and translators were sent to the scene.
The crash occurred around 12:40 p.m. near Exit 48A eastbound. State police said the bus lost control, went into the median and turned over into a ditch on the side of the road. The bus did not hit any vehicles. Police said the driver of the bus is alive.
New York State Thruway Authority said I-90 east and west is closed between Exit 48A and Exit 49, and asked drivers to seek alternate routes.
Several Mercy Flights were requested as well as all Mercy Flight ambulances.
Peter Cutler, the vice president of communications and internal affairs at ECMC, said ECMC received a “mass casualty notification,” and as of 3:30 p.m., has taken 16 people in. Cutler also said physicians are being sent to the crash site.
WIVB News 4 heard reports of some people being taken to the Indian Falls Fire Station in East Pembroke. Kaleida Health said Oishei Children’s Hospital is receiving one patient.
News 4’s Patrick Ryan spoke to a witness who said there were two cranes at the scene for the bus.
As of 1:30 p.m., drivers were being sent off the highway at Exit 48A.
ConnectLife is asking for blood donations. Those interested are asked to call (716) 529-4270 or click here to schedule a donation appointment.
News 4 has a crew on the way to the scene.
Watch Friday’s full press conference in the video player above.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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