News Summary
A tragic bus accident on the New York State Thruway resulted in the deaths of five individuals and numerous injuries. The bus, carrying tourists from a Niagara Falls trip, lost control, rolling over and causing significant casualties. Emergency responders worked hard to assist the 47 injured passengers, many of whom were not wearing seat belts. An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board is underway to determine the cause of the crash, while families seek answers and support in the aftermath of this devastating incident.
Heartbreaking Bus Crash Claims Five Lives, Leaves Many Injured
A tragic accident unfolded on the New York State Thruway, where a group of enthusiastic tourists, fresh from a trip to the breathtaking Niagara Falls, found themselves in a devastating bus crash. The incident took place around 12:20 p.m. near Pembroke, approximately 40 miles east of the iconic falls.
According to reports, the bus driver became distracted, leading to a loss of control. A quick overcorrection resulted in the bus rolling over onto the interstate, exiting the roadway and tumbling into the median before it finally came to rest on the southern embankment of I-90.
A Grim Toll
The accident resulted in the undeniable loss of five lives. The victims have been identified as:
- Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, from Madhubani, India
- Pinki Changrani, 60, from East Brunswick, New Jersey
- Xie Hongzhuo, 22, a Columbia University student from Beijing, China
- Zhang Xiaolan, 55, and Jian Mingli, 56, both from Jersey City, New Jersey
The bus was carrying a total of 54 individuals, including the driver and another tour employee. Of the passengers, a significant number were not wearing seat belts, leading to several people being ejected during the crash.
Injuries and Rescue Efforts
The victims’ ages ranged from 1 to 74, with no children reportedly killed in the accident, despite some earlier speculations. As the dust settled, the list of injured grew, with at least 47 individuals requiring hospitalization. Emergency response teams, including ground and air ambulances, state and local police, and first responders worked tirelessly on the scene, rescuing those trapped inside the bus.
Many patients were rushed to various regional hospitals, with injuries spanning from critical to minor. Four hospitals were prepared specifically for the inflow of victims, illustrating the seriousness of the situation. The Mercy Flight medical transport service was even brought in to airlift some individuals from the crash site via helicopter.
Communication Challenges
As many of the passengers spoke little English, the situation became more challenging. Translators were promptly brought in to assist with communication between medical staff and the injured tourists, ensuring that everyone received the care they so desperately needed.
An Ongoing Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently conducting a thorough investigation into what led to this tragic event. They are focusing on driver performance and seatbelt usage for a clear understanding of the situation. Fortunately, both mechanical failure and operator impairment have been ruled out as possible causes of the accident.
The bus in question belonged to M&Y Tour Inc., based in Staten Island. Notably, the company had no history of accidents or fatalities over the past two years.
Reflections on a Somber Day
Witnesses to the horrific scene described it as heartbreaking, with debris and personal belongings scattered across the highway, amplifying the chaos and distress following the accident. As families and friends seek the truth behind this calamity, New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences and commended the efforts of first responders who rushed to aid the victims.
The heartbreaking investigation continues, with a preliminary report expected to surface in about 30 days. In the meantime, everyone affected by this tragedy is in the thoughts of many as they navigate the aftermath of such a devastating event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times
- Google Search: New York bus crash 2025
- ABC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tour Bus Accident
- CNN
- Google News: New York Thruway bus crash
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
