A bus crash on I-490 left 28 people injured, 1 seriously

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

It happened around 7am at exit 4 to Chile. The bus left New York City around midnight and the last stop was Niagara Falls, stopping along the Thruway to pick up and drop off passengers.

When emergency services arrived, the bus was on its side. Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter said several truck drivers helped people walking in confusion around I-490 or stuck on the bus.

“They certainly helped save lives, from the standpoint of confusing people in shock, wandering around in the dark,” he said.

The person in critical condition underwent surgery. Everyone on the bus was taken and two of them had to be rescued. It took 18 ambulances to take all the passengers to four different local hospitals. More than a hundred emergency workers were on site.

“It was through coordinated efforts with our hospitals that we were able to receive that number of patients during that time,” Baxter said.

Baxter said nearly every EMT unit in Monroe County, New York State Police and multiple fire departments responded. First responders then attempted to reach families to ensure loved ones were being taken into account. Anyone wanting 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 exit 4 and exit 3 into Riga, but the eastbound lanes are open. New York State Police and Monroe County sheriff’s deputies are investigating.

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

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

“We are aware of the accident near Churchville, NY. Our team is actively working with the bus operator to understand the details and provide the necessary assistance to passengers. Please note that FlixBus is not a bus company; all timetables are managed by external bus companies. We will continue to request updates from the bus company and authorities as the investigation continues. We have no additional information to share at this time.”

Local hospitals also submitted statements. Rochester Regional Health released this statement about the crash:

“Two Rochester Regional Health hospitals, Rochester General and Unity, received patients this morning following a serious bus crash on I-490. Our team is prepared and fully mobilized and is working quickly to provide care 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 influx.”

“This is a scenario we regularly train for and we coordinate closely with local ambulance crews and law enforcement to ensure a quick and organized response.”

“Updates on the patient’s status will be provided as they become available. Our thoughts are with all the individuals involved and their families at this challenging time.”

The University of Rochester Medical Center released this statement:

“Thirteen passengers from the bus that crashed early this morning on 490 were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. One adult patient was taken for emergency surgery, the other twelve are currently being assessed in the Strong Emergency Department, including one child who does not appear to have any serious injuries. Three other adult patients were taken to Highland Hospital and are currently being assessed in the emergency department.”

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

Governor Kathy Hochul released this statement about the crash:

“Earlier this morning, a large bus carrying multiple passengers rolled down I-490 west of the city of Rochester. State Police and the Department of Transportation are on scene working with local first responders to conduct rescue operations. To allow first responders to do their work, I-490 is closed in both directions between Exits 4 and 3 and motorists are encouraged to find 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.”