Overview

• State police reported five deaths and dozens of injuries among the 54 passengers, whose ages ranged from 1 to 74.
• Several passengers were ejected and others were trapped before being rescued as helicopters and ambulances transported patients to hospitals.
• Authorities said many aboard were Chinese, Filipino and Indian tourists, and interpreters were called to assist at the scene.
• Preliminary findings indicate possible driver distraction; the driver survived, is cooperating with investigators and has not been charged as of now.
• A long stretch of the Thruway near Pembroke was closed and later reopened westbound, and officials identified the bus operator as Staten Island–based M&Y Tour Inc., with limited seat belt use observed.