A charter bus traveling from New York City to Niagara Falls flipped over Thursday morning, sending 28 passengers to the hospital. One rider was listed in critical condition.
State police said they were working with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the crash in the Rochester suburb of Chili, where the bus traveling westbound on I-490 was photographed lying on its side.
Cops in Monroe County said they were alerted to the crash around 7 a.m. Deputies arrived on the scene to discover some passengers trapped inside the overturned bus, Sheriff Todd Baxter told reporters. Others who had been onboard the vehicle were spotted walking alongside the highway “in a state of confusion,” Baxter said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office released a statement about the “serious incident” that shut down I-490 traffic between exits 3 and 4.
“Earlier this morning, a large bus with multiple passengers rolled over on the I-490 west of the City of Rochester,” the governor said. “I join the people of New York in praying for the well-being of all involved in this serious incident and am deeply grateful for the heroic efforts of our first responders.”
The bus left New York City around midnight and made a stop in Rochester before continuing toward Niagara Falls.
What caused the bus to flip over is currently unclear. No other vehicles appeared to be involved in the accident. Drugs and alcohol aren’t believed to be a factor. Police said the driver of the bus, who’s cooperating with investigators, was among those hospitalized.
“This will be a lengthy investigation,” Chief Deputy Michael Fowler said at the crash site.
The eastbound lanes of I-490 were reopened Thursday morning. The westbound side remained closed as the investigation continued.
Authorities said the upended FlixBus is operated by Massachusetts company Tribal Sun, according to The Associated Press. FlixBus confirmed a bus carrying 28 passengers was involved in the incident and said its thoughts are with those impacted by the crash.
“We are in close contact with the bus operator and local authorities to understand the circumstances and provide support as needed,” the company said.
FlixBus did not say where in New York City Thursday’s trip originated.
With News Wire Services
