Bus crash on I-490 leaves 28 injured, 1 in critical condition

CHILE, New York. One person is in critical condition and 28 people were taken to area hospitals after a tour bus overturned on westbound I-490 Thursday.

It happened around seven in the morning near exit 4 in Chile. The bus left New York City around midnight and made its final stop at Niagara Falls, making stops along the highway to pick up and drop off passengers.

When rescuers arrived, the bus was lying on its side. Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter said several semi-truck drivers helped people who were disoriented on I-490 or stuck in a bus.

“They’ve definitely helped save lives, in terms of the fact that you’ve confused people in shock who were wandering around 490 in the dark, basically,” he said.

The person was hospitalized in serious condition. All those who were on the bus were identified, two of them had to be evacuated. It took 18 ambulances to transport all passengers to four local hospitals. More than 100 rescuers worked at the scene.

“Because of a coordinated effort with our hospitals, we were able to see so many patients in so little time,” Baxter said.

Baxter said nearly every EMS in Monroe County, New York State Police and multiple fire departments responded. First responders then worked to contact families to make sure their loved ones were found. Anyone with information about their loved one on the bus can call the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at (585)-753-4455.

The westbound lanes are still closed between exits 4 and 3 in Riga, but the eastbound lanes are open. New York State Police and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies are working on the investigation.

At this time, they do not believe the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and is cooperating. Police do not believe that other vehicles were involved in the crash.

The bus that crashed was FlixBus. A FlixBus spokesperson released this statement to News10NBC:

“We are aware of an accident near Churchville, New York. Our team actively cooperates with the bus operator to understand the details and provide the necessary assistance to passengers. Please note that FlixBus is not a bus operator; all timetables are operated by third party bus companies. We will continue to receive new information from the bus operator and authorities as the investigation progresses. We have no additional information to share at this time.”

Local hospitals also sent statements. Rochester Regional Health Services released this statement about the accident:

“Two Rochester Regional Hospitals, Rochester General and Unity, have received patients following a serious bus accident on I-490 this morning. Our team is ready and fully mobilized, working quickly to provide assistance to those affected. Our priority is the safety and well-being of all patients and staff and resources have been allocated to effectively manage this flow.”

“This is a scenario we regularly train for and we are working closely with local EMS and law enforcement to ensure a quick and organized response.”

“Updates on patient status will be provided as they become available. Our thoughts are with all those involved and their families at this difficult time.”

The University of Rochester Medical Center released this statement:

“Thirteen passengers of the bus that crashed on the 490 early this morning were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. One adult patient was taken to emergency surgery, the other 12 are being evaluated in the emergency department, including one child who is not seriously injured. Three other adult patients were taken to Highland Hospital and are being evaluated in the emergency department.”

“Family members with questions can call the sheriff’s family hotline at 585-753-4455.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul released this statement about the accident:

“This morning a large bus with several passengers overturned on I-490 west of Rochester. State police and the Department of Transportation are on the scene, coordinating rescue operations with local first responders. To allow emergency responders to do their work, I-490 is closed in both directions between exits 4 and 3, and motorists are advised to seek alternate routes. I join the people of New York in praying for the well-being of all involved in this serious incident and am deeply grateful for the heroic efforts of our first responders.”