State police spokesperson James O’Callaghan said the bus “lost control, went into the median, overcorrected, and ended up in the ditch,” later confirming “the bus did roll.” He added, “Most people, I’m assuming, on the bus did not have a seat belt on. That is the reason why we have so many ejected people.”

Witness Powell Stephens described the aftermath: “There was glass all over the road and people’s stuff all over the road … windows were all shattered.” Mercy Flight helicopters and multiple ambulances transported victims to hospitals, including Erie County Medical Center, where doctors treated over 20 trauma patients.

Police confirmed the passengers were mainly from China, the Philippines, and India. Children were hospitalized, but none had life-threatening injuries. The driver survived and is cooperating with investigators.

Governor Kathy Hochul called the crash “tragic,” while Senator Chuck Schumer said, “I’m heartbroken for all those we’ve lost and all those injured.”