News Summary
A devastating bus accident on the New York State Thruway has claimed the lives of five individuals and left dozens injured. The crash occurred near Pembroke during a return trip from Niagara Falls to New York City. Eyewitness accounts indicate the bus lost control and overturned, with many passengers reportedly not wearing seat belts. Emergency responders deployed to the scene, transporting the injured to hospitals. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, which has prompted counseling support for affected families and communities.
New York – A devastating tour bus accident on August 22, 2025, claimed the lives of five individuals and left dozens injured on the New York State Thruway. The crash occurred around 12:20 p.m. near Pembroke, approximately 375 miles from Manhattan, as the bus was on its return trip from Niagara Falls to New York City.
The bus was carrying 54 passengers, including the driver, with a majority of them identified as being of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent. New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed the fatalities and noted that multiple individuals were ejected from the vehicle during the incident. Although reports initially suggested a child was among the deceased, this was later clarified to be inaccurate.
The bus lost control, veered into the median, and subsequently overturned, resulting in significant injuries and entrapments among passengers. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the bus was traveling at full speed and did not collide with any other vehicles prior to crashing. Authorities later reported that most passengers were not wearing seat belts at the time of the incident.
Emergency Response and Injuries
Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, deploying both ground and air ambulances to facilitate rescue operations. A total of approximately 47 individuals were hospitalized with various injuries, with some reported to be in critical condition. Medical helicopters transported several victims to nearby hospitals that were placed on alert for incoming patients. Due to language barriers, translators were brought in to assist affected passengers.
Closure of the State Thruway
The crash occurred on Interstate 90 eastbound between exits 48A and 49, leading to the closure of both eastbound and westbound lanes for rescue operations and investigations. Witnesses described the harrowing scene of the overturned bus, with personal belongings scattered across the highway as many passengers attempted to escape through windows.
Identification of Victims
The five individuals who tragically lost their lives have been identified. They are:
- Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, from Bihar, India
- Pinki Changrani, 60, from East Brunswick, New Jersey
- Xie Hongzhuo, 22, a Columbia University student from Beijing, China
- Zhang Xiaolan, 55, from Jersey City, New Jersey
- Jian Mingli, 56, also from Jersey City, New Jersey
Investigation Details
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, with a team dispatched to the accident site. Initial findings have ruled out mechanical failure and operator impairment as contributing factors to the tragedy. The bus was operated by Staten Island-based M&Y Tour Incorporated, which has reported no prior accidents in the last two years.
Support and Counseling
In the aftermath of the incident, Columbia University has stepped up to provide support and counseling for the student community impacted by the loss of Xie Hongzhuo. Families of the victims have been assisted at the Family Assistance Center, where resources for emotional support and services to reconnect families have been made available.
Next Steps
A preliminary report from the NTSB is anticipated to be released within 30 days from the date of the crash. Governor Hochul expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and praised first responders for their swift actions during this tragic event.
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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, 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 New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
