One person in critical condition and 28 people taken to hospitals after bus overturns on I-490

CHILI, N.Y. — One person is in critical condition and 28 people were taken to local hospitals after a tour bus overturned on I-490 westbound on Thursday morning.

It happened on Thursday around 7 a.m. near Exit 4 to Chili. The bus left from New York City and was heading to Niagara Falls. The person in critical condition went into surgery.

When first responders arrived, the bus was lying on its side. Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter said multiple semi-truck drivers helped people who were walking around I-490 in confusion or trapped on the bus.

“They definitely helped to save lives from the standpoint that you had confused people in the state of shock wandering around 490 in the dark, basically,” he said.

Everyone on the bus has been accounted for. Baxter said almost every EMT unit in Monroe County, New York State Police, and multiple fire bureaus responded. First responders then worked to reach out to families to make sure loved ones were accounted for. Anyone who would like information about their loved one on the bus can call the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at (585)-753-4455.

People on the bus were taken to all four local hospitals — Strong, Rochester General, Highland, and Unity.

“With the coordinated efforts with our hospitals, we were able to receive that number of patients in that number of time,” Baxter said.

Westbound lanes are still closed between Exit 4 and Exit 3 to Riga but eastbound lanes are open. New York State Police and Monroe County sheriff’s deputies are working to investigate.

The bus that crashed was a FlixBus. A FlixBus spokesperson 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 necessary assistance to passengers. Please note that FlixBus is not a bus operator; all schedules are operated by third-party bus companies. We will continue to seek updates from the bus operator and authorities as the investigation progresses. We have no additional information to share at this time.”

Rochester Regional Health released this statement about the crash:

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

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

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

Gov. Kathy Hochul released this statement about the crash:

“Earlier this morning, a large bus with multiple passengers rolled over on the I-490 west of the City of Rochester. State Police and Department of Transportation are on scene coordinating with local first responders on rescue operations. To allow first responders to do their jobs, the I-490 is closed in both directions between exits 4 and 3, and drivers 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.”