Five people, including a 65-year-old Indian man, lost their lives in a devastating tour bus crash in western New York on Friday. The New York State Police identified the victims as Shankar Kumar Jha of Madhubani, India; Pinki Changrani from East Brunswick, New Jersey; Xie Hongzhuo of Beijing, China; and Zhang Xiaolan and Jian Mingli, both from Jersey City.

The bus, operated by M&Y Tour Inc from Staten Island, was carrying 54 passengers, including travelers from China and the Philippines. It was en route from Niagara Falls to New York City when the accident occurred on Interstate-90. According to police, the bus veered into the median, and when the driver attempted to correct its course, the vehicle overturned and rolled down a south embankment. Several passengers were ejected or trapped inside the bus, resulting in five fatalities at the scene.

Multiple injured passengers were transported to nearby hospitals, including Erie County Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban, and UMMR in Batavia. Emergency services, including Mercy Flight and several first responders, assisted at the crash site.

Authorities confirmed that the 55-year-old driver, Bin Shao of Flushing, New York, was not impaired, and no mechanical issues were detected with the bus. Preliminary findings suggest driver distraction as the cause of the crash. Officials have ruled out mechanical failure, impairment, or intoxication, and no charges have been filed as the investigation continues.