Highlights:
- Victims included Indian, Chinese, and American passengers, making it a global tragedy.
- The deceased Indian national was identified as Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, from Madhubani.
- Investigators say the driver’s distraction caused the bus to overturn off the I-90.
- No signs of mechanical failure, impairment, or intoxication were found.
- Massive rescue effort included air ambulances, translators, and multiple hospitals treating survivors.
A 65-year-old Indian man from Bihar was among five people killed in a devastating tour bus crash in western New York on Friday. The incident occurred as the bus, carrying 54 passengers, was returning to New York City after a trip to Niagara Falls. The accident took place on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Buffalo.
Victims from around the world
In addition to the Indian tourist, the tragedy claimed the lives of passengers from various backgrounds. The New York State Police identified the deceased as Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, from Madhubani, India; Pinki Changrani, 60, of East Brunswick, New Jersey; Xie Hongzhuo, 22, a Columbia University student from Beijing, China; Zhang Xiaolan, 55, of Jersey City, New Jersey; and Jian Mingli, 56, also of Jersey City. The bus was hosting international tourists, including travelers from China and the Philippines, making the tragedy a truly global loss.
Circumstances leading to the crash
According to a statement by the New York State Police, the 2005 Van Wool Bus and Coach tour bus, owned by M&Y Tour Inc of Staten Island, NY, was traveling eastbound along the I-90 from Niagara Falls to New York City. Investigators believe the driver, 55-year-old Bin Shao of Flushing, New York, became momentarily distracted, causing the vehicle to veer off the roadway into the median. An abrupt correction by the driver reportedly led the bus to overturn and roll off the southern embankment.
Authorities confirmed there were no indications of mechanical failure, impairment, or intoxication that could have contributed to the accident. The driver, who survived the crash, was found to be free of any signs of substance use or hazardous vehicle malfunction. “We believe we have a good idea of what happened,” a police spokesman noted, emphasizing that “all the details are being thoroughly vetted.”
Rescue and emergency response
The scale of the tragedy called for a massive rescue and medical response. Multiple passengers were ejected from the overturned bus, and a number became trapped inside. Five people died on the scene, while several others suffered injuries ranging from minor to critical. The injured were transported to various hospitals, including Erie County Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban, and UMMR in Batavia.
Mercy Flight, a non-profit air ambulance provider, played a crucial role in the rescue operation. President Margaret Ferrentino stated that eight helicopters were deployed to airlift the wounded, while numerous emergency medical personnel and first responders worked tirelessly at the site. Translators were also brought in to assist communication with non-English-speaking passengers.
Ongoing investigation
The crash has left families and communities grieving on both sides of the globe. While initial investigations have ruled out mechanical fault, driver error caused by distraction appears to be the main factor. The driver, Bin Shao, remains cooperative as authorities continue to review the circumstances. No charges have been filed at this time, but officials are committed to a thorough examination of all the details to provide answers and closure for the victims’ families.
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