The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report on the deadly tour bus crash that occurred on the New York State Thruway in Pembroke last month. The August 22 incident killed five passengers and injured 49 others, including the driver. The report details the sequence of events leading to the rollover crash but does not determine probable cause, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Preliminary findings detail crash sequence
The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday released its preliminary report on the fatal tour bus crash on the Thruway in Western New York last month, according to NY1. Most of the report details information already released about the crash in Pembroke on Aug. 22. Five passengers were killed as a result of the rollover crash. The driver and 48 other passengers were injured, many of whom wereย treated at local hospitalsย in serious condition.
The tour bus was headed from Niagara Falls to New York City when the incident occurred. The report detailed the series of events leading to the crash, providing a clearer picture of how the tragedy unfolded on the busy interstate highway.
The bus departed lanes before rollover
The tour bus was traveling east on the Thruway when it departed the lanes onto the right shoulder. It then continued left across both eastbound lanes before entering the center median. The tour bus then re-entered the eastbound travel lanes, swerved counterclockwise, and rolled onto its right side.
The report says the bus left the travel lanes onto the right shoulder, continued left across both lanes, entered the median, reentered the lane, turned counterclockwise, rolled onto its right side, all before coming to a rest, according to Audacy. No other information was given in the report, but New York State Police has previously said it is believed theย driver of the busย became distracted.
Investigation continues without speed data
The report did not say how fast the bus was going at the time of the crash. While the investigation is still ongoing, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report on the deadly tour bus crash that happened on the New York State Thruway in Pembroke last month.
Five passengers were killed in the crash, while the driver and 48 other passengers sustained minor to serious injuries. The crash is still being investigated, with the NTSB working to determine probable cause before it issues safety recommendations to prevent future incidents like this.
The NTSB says all aspects of the crash remain under investigation while they work to determine the probable cause. A final report typically takes between one and two years to complete. The NTSB is working to determine probable cause before it issues safety recommendations to prevent future incidents like this.
Final report timeline established
The preliminary report represents just the first step in a comprehensive investigation that will examine all factors contributing to the crash. Investigators will analyze mechanical systems, driver performance, road conditions, and other variables that may have played a role in the tragic incident.
The tour bus company involved in the crash had previous legal troubles with New York State, adding another dimension to the ongoing investigation. Federal investigators will continue gathering evidence and conducting interviews as they work toward understanding exactly what caused this devastating accident.
The NTSB’s preliminary report provides initial details about the fatal Thruway bus crash but leaves many questions unanswered as the investigation continues. With five lives lost and dozens injured, the comprehensive final report will be crucial for understanding what went wrong and preventing similar tragedies. The one to two-year timeline for completion reflects the thorough analysis required to determine probable cause and develop meaningful safety recommendations.