Multiple dead in tour bus crash on I-90 near Pembroke

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | By BTPM Staff

Published August 22, 2025 at 1:58 PM EDT

Traffic at a standstill on Exit 48A due to bus crash in Pembroke.

A tour bus crash in Pembroke on the I-90 is being called a "mass casualty" incident after the vehicle rolled over and landed on its passenger side.

The immediate belief from New York State Police is that the tour bus hit a median and overcorrected, causing the incident. Fifty-two individuals were confirmed to be aboard the bus, with multiple entrapments and ejections occurring. Multiple people are believed to be dead, including one child.

The bus was carrying tourists from Niagara Falls to New York City, and individuals came from China, India and the Philippines. Translators are being brought to the site to assist in the emergency effort.

Fifty-two individuals were confirmed to be aboard the bus, with multiple entrapments and ejections occurring. The bus can be seen off the road.

I-90 east is closed between Exit 48A and Exit 49. The westbound lanes have reopened, but traffic is at a standstill. State police urge motorists to avoid the area.

Both sides of the I-90 near Pembroke were closed, though authorities have now reopened the westbound lane, while still recommending motorists avoid the area. Multiple Mercy Flight helicopters were confirmed to have responded to the scene.

ConnectLife is issuing an emergency appeal for blood donations following the accident. Victims are being transported by both ambulance and helicopter to area hospitals, and there is an immediate, life-threatening need for blood. Individuals are asked to call 716-529-4270 or visit ConnectLifeGiveBlood.org to schedule a blood donation appointment as soon as possible.

ECMC took in 24 casualties - the most of any area hospital - according to Peter Cutler, the ECMC's vice president of communications and external affairs. Cutler said 20 of those casualties were still being treated as of 4:30 p.m. ECMC physicians were sent to the crash site to help triage patients on scene.

In a statement, Kaleida Health confirmed they received a total of 20 patients to Buffalo General Medical Center (four adults; all in good condition; one already discharged), Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital received 13 patients (11 adults, two children; 10 in good condition, three in fair condition) and Oishei Children’s Hospital received three patients (three children total; two in good condition, one in serious condition).

I’ve been briefed on the tragic tour bus accident on the @NYSThruway.

My team is coordinating closely with @nyspolice and local officials who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) August 22, 2025

I have been advised the NYS Thruway is closed westbound at Exit 48A (Pembroke) and Eastbound at Exit 49 (Depew) until further notice due to the serious mass casualty bus accident in Genesee County just over the Erie County line. Vehicles will be detoured off the Thruway at each.
— Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) August 22, 2025

This is a developing story. BTPM NPR will add more to it as more information comes in.