New York State Police reported that several Filipino nationals were among the casualties of a bus crash on Friday, August 22, along New York’s I-90 Highway.
At least five people were killed and dozens were injured after a tour bus carrying more than 50 passengers from Niagara Falls to New York City overturned near Pembroke, about 40 kilometers east of Buffalo.
“State police have confirmed that some of the victims are Filipino nationals,” the Consulate said in a statement, assuring that it is working with authorities to identify the casualties and extend assistance to survivors and their families.
Investigators said the driver became distracted, causing the bus to veer off course before overcorrecting and crashing.
Authorities ruled out mechanical failure and impairment as possible causes.
Emergency responders deployed eight helicopters to airlift the injured, while translators were dispatched to assist passengers of multiple nationalities, including Filipinos, Indians, and Chinese.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) activated its Assistance-to-Nationals hotline at (917) 294-0196 for families seeking updates.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer both expressed condolences and urged a thorough review of the incident.
As both U.S. and Philippine authorities continue coordinating on victim identification, medical aid, and possible repatriation, the focus now turns to how quickly support can reach the affected families.
