Five people have died after a tourist bus returning from Niagara Falls crashed on the motorway in western New York.
Witnesses saw the vehicle lose control and turn over approximately 40 miles (64km) from Niagara Falls, a major tourist destination on the US-Canada border.
Most of the 52 people on board are from India, China and the Philippines. Some were thrown from the vehicle, and others were trapped inside the wreckage for several hours, police have said. It is believed most were not wearing seat belts.
The cause of the crash is not known and authorities have urged drivers with dashcam footage to come forward.
Ambulances and medical helicopters were sent to the crash site, near the town of Pembroke, 30 miles (48km) east of the city of Buffalo.
Translators and translation devices were brought to the scene and hospitals to assist in the investigation.
Andre Ray major, New York State Police troop commander, told a news conference: “The cause of the collision is still under investigation. However, mechanical failure as well as operator impairment have been ruled out at this time.
“The operator has been cooperative and with the investigation still underway. No charges have been filed at this point.”
The bus was heading eastbound and lost control, veering into the median and then into a ditch, according police.
The passengers were aged between one and 74. Several children were on board at the time of the crash, police say.
Twenty-four adult patients were admitted to one local hospital, and doctors say they’re expected to make a full recovery. Other area hospitals also received patients, and those under 16 who survived were taken to a children’s hospital.
One witness told The Buffalo News that he saw a bus lying on its side and items strewn on the roadway following the crash.
“There was glass all over the road and people’s stuff all over the road,” said Powell Stephens, who drove past the crash site.
“Windows were all shattered. Everyone seemed conscious and OK, but I only saw the scene for about 15 seconds.”
ConnectLife, an organisation that provides blood to hospitals in the region, has issued an emergency appeal for blood donations.
“Our community is facing a crisis,” said spokeswoman Sarah Diina.
“This is one of those moments when your action can directly save lives,” said Diina.
The Red Cross has opened a family reunification centre to connect children and parents who were transported to different hospitals.
