Several Filipinos were confirmed among the casualties in a tragic tour bus crash along New York’s Interstate 90, according to state police reports relayed by the Philippine Consulate General in New York.
In a statement issued Saturday, August 23 (Manila time), the Consulate said it is “actively monitoring the situation” and remains prepared to assist victims and their families.
“New York State Police have reported that several of the casualties are Filipino nationals,” the Consulate confirmed. .
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by this incident,” it added.
Authorities have not released further details on the victims as of press time, citing privacy and ongoing efforts to reach out to the families directly.
The Consulate urged victims or their next-of-kin to reach out to its Assistance-to-Nationals Hotline at (917) 294-0196 for support.
The accident occurred on Friday afternoon (New York time) when a charter bus carrying 54 passengers lost control and flipped on its side on Interstate 90 in western New York.
Five people were confirmed dead, while dozens were injured, some of whom were thrown from the vehicle.
The bus was returning to New York City from a trip to Niagara Falls and the US-Canada border when it veered off course near a section of the highway between Buffalo and Rochester.
New York State Police said many of the passengers had to be rescued and rushed to hospitals, with multiple children among those treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The passengers included nationals from the United States, the Philippines, China, India, and countries in the Middle East. Translators were dispatched to assist first responders in communicating with the victims. (Argyll Geducos)
