A New York woman faces a long recovery after a tour bus accident

On By Pranco

CHILE, NY (WHAM) — A family member of one of the victims of a tour bus accident Early Thursday morning in New York state, which left 28 people injured, he is speaking out about the terrifying incident.

Emergency crews responded around 7:10 a.m. to 490 West, just west of Union Street, near the Chili-Riga city line, for a report of a tour bus overturning and people trapped.

Patients were distributed among four local hospitals. The University of Rochester Medical Center said 16 patients were being treated at Strong Memorial Hospital — one in critical condition and some with significant injuries — and that some patients will be released soon.

Rochester Regional Health said it was treating 15 bus accident patients at Unity and Rochester General Hospital. Three patients were transferred to Strong.

Michelle Key said her daughter-in-law, Montriel Humble, 21, was one of the passengers injured in the crash.

“She’s not doing well,” Key said. “She’s had to have five different operations, so it’s just really bad. However, I thank God for her life. I’m glad she’s alive.’

Key said Humble is in the Air Force and took the FlixBus tour bus to Niagara Falls to report for duty.

She had to crawl out of the bus and she called me and said she had to go to the hospital,” Key said. “My son is a nervous wreck. I was in tears when I saw her. We’re grateful she’s alive, but it’s still an experience you never want to have to go through.

Dr. Michael Kamali, chairman of emergency medicine at URMC, said patients are dealing with a variety of injuries.

“Head injuries, limb injuries, and also some torso injuries,” Kamali said. “As you can imagine, the injuries from a crash, what we call blunt trauma, can be extensive.”

Key said Humble has a long recovery ahead of him.

“She is an outstanding person, with a beautiful spirit inside and out,” Key said. “When you get on the bus, you would think you are safe from this kind of thing.”

The Monroe County Office of Emergency Management is also assisting those involved in the crash and Visit Rochester arranged a hotel for affected individuals and families.

Those wishing to locate relatives on the bus can call 753-4455.