New York, Aug 23 (V7N) – At least five people were killed and many others injured when a tourist bus carrying 54 passengers overturned on the Pembroke Highway, about 25 miles east of Buffalo, New York, on Friday.

According to Reuters, the bus was traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City when the driver lost control at high speed. The vehicle veered off the road, overturned, and plunged into a roadside ditch.

Emergency responders said many passengers were trapped inside the overturned bus, while others were thrown out. Rescue efforts involved eight helicopters as well as multiple fire and medical units.

Several of the injured are currently being treated at nearby hospitals, some in critical condition.

New York police said the bus was traveling recklessly, leading to the fatal accident. Authorities confirmed that many of the passengers were foreign nationals, including citizens of India, China, and the Philippines.

An investigation is underway to determine whether driver negligence or mechanical failure was the primary cause of the crash.

END/SMA/AJ