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At least four people, one of whom was a child, have lost their lives and many more were injured following a tour bus accident that resulted in the vehicle overturning on a highway in upstate New York this afternoon.
Numerous individuals are still trapped within the wreckage as rescue efforts are actively proceeding at the accident site along I-90 in Pembroke, close to Buffalo.
The bus, believed to have been traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City, had at least 52 people on board, WROC reports.
Photographs from the scene show the bus turned over on its side and emergency responders including police and fire crews along the highway.
Reports from CBS indicate that two cranes have been deployed to aid in the rescue, and several emergency medical helicopters have also been dispatched to the location.
Both sides of the interstate were closed following the crash, including exits 48A and 49, but police have since reopened the westbound lane of traffic.
With the rescue operation underway, state trooper James O’Callaghan told reporters: ‘As we’re progressing through this, we’re losing more people unfortunately. Most people on the bus did not have a seatbelt on.’
He confirmed that multiple children were on board and that some may have been trapped following the crash. The bus driver survived and is ‘alive and well,’ he added.
First responders work to rescue victims at the scene of a tour bus that crashed and rolled over on the New York State Thruway
A tour bus carrying more than 50 people overturned on I-90 in Pembroke, upstate New York
Multiple Mercy Flight helicopters have responded to the scene as rescuers try to help passengers who remain trapped and injured
Emergency personnel with stretchers rush to the scene of the accident to help the 52 tour bus crash victims, many of whom were injured or trapped, along I-90 near Pembroke, NY
In an update from doctors at Erie County Medical Center, the hospital confirmed they had received 24 victims from the bus crash.
Doctors said four of those victims have been discharged and 20 remain in their care.
Two went into surgery and others were moved to the intensive care unit. Doctors said the victims’ injuries range from head trauma to extremity fractures, and that they expect everyone to recover.
Child victims were reportedly taken to a different hospital.
State troopers said the bus had been heading eastbound when it lost control, went over the median and ended up in a ditch.
First responders continued to rescue those who remain trapped and injured throughout Friday afternoon.
Fifty-two people were on board the bus, with police saying that almost everyone on board was injured in the horrific collision. Reported injuries include cuts, bruises and abrasions.
Police have not confirmed the exact number of people killed, but law enforcement sources told ABC News there have been at least four fatalities
The NYC bound bus was transporting tourists from China, India and the Philippines, according to BPTM. Translators will be brought to the crash site to assist.
‘Emergency personnel are on scene, and additional ambulances and medical support have been requested,’ said New York State Police Sgt. Jack Keller.
Rescue personnel work the scene of a tour bus that crashed and rolled over on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke on Friday afternoon
Traffic is at a standstill on I-90 this afternoon after a tour bus traveling eastbound lost control, went over the median and overturned in a ditch
Officials say drivers should expect ‘heavy delays’ and have urged them to avoid the area and seek alternate travel routes
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has been ‘briefed on the tragic tour bus accident’ and confirmed that a rescue operation is underway.
‘My team is coordinating closely with @nyspolice and local officials who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved,’ she said in a statement.
Many victims are being transported to nearby Strong Memorial Hospital and Erie County Medical Center.
The ConnectLife blood and organ donation network has issued an an emergency appeal for blood donations in wake of the accident.
Officials say drivers should expect ‘heavy delays’ and have urged them to avoid the area and seek alternate travel routes.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
