Overview

• State police confirmed five fatalities at the scene and said 52 people, including the driver, were on board returning to New York City from Niagara Falls.
• Preliminary findings indicate the driver lost control and over-corrected; impairment and mechanical failure were ruled out, and the driver is cooperating.
• Many passengers were ejected, with officials noting widespread lack of seat-belt use under review.
• Regional hospitals treated a surge of patients, including 24 at Erie County Medical Center, as Mercy Flight helicopters transported the most seriously hurt.
• The NTSB opened an investigation and the Thruway near Pembroke reopened westbound after closures between exits 48A and 49.