As a result of the tourist bus accident in New York, five people were killed

• The bus accident occurred on August 23, 2025, on the highway in New York City.
• Five people were killed, including a student from Columbia University.
• The cause of the accident is believed to be the driver's distraction while driving.

On August 23, 2025, a tourist bus accident occurred in western New York, resulting in the deaths of five individuals. The bus, which was returning from Niagara Falls to New York City, veered off the highway not far from Buffalo. At the time of the accident, there were 54 people on the bus, many of whom had to be rescued from the wreckage or were pinned underneath it.

Among the deceased were 65-year-old Shankar Kumar Jha from India, 60-year-old Pinky Changran from New Jersey, 22-year-old Columbia University student Si Huncheng from China, 55-year-old Jan Syalang, and 56-year-old Tzian Minli, both from Jersey City.

According to police, the bus driver, 55-year-old Bin Shao, was likely distracted while driving, losing control over the vehicle and veering off. The driver did not show signs of alcohol intoxication, and no technical malfunctions in the bus were detected. The accident occurred without the involvement of other transportation vehicles.

After the accident, 30 people were hospitalized with injuries of varying severity. In the Erie County hospital, 21 patients were admitted, of whom 14 remain in stable condition. Among the injured were also children.

The authorities continue to investigate the causes of the accident, but so far, no charges have been filed against the driver.

Tags: USA/Automotive