No Pinoys killed in tour bus crash in New York - DFA

Metro Manila, Philippines - There were no Filipinos identified as among the five killed in a tourist bus crash in upstate New York, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Sunday, Aug. 24.

The DFA also said that the New York State Police confirmed that all bus passengers have been identified and their next-of-kin have been notified.

In an updated report on Saturday, Aug. 23 (US time), the New York State Police released the names of the five fatalities when a tour bus veered out of control and rolled over on Interstate 90. 

It also said that the Red Cross Family Assistance Center for the victims was shut down following that all families have made contact with the passengers.

“Most of the passengers brought to the hospitals were discharged. Those that sustained major injuries are expected to recover,” the DFA said.

The DFA has yet to provide information on the number of Filipinos involved in the crash and their health status, as expected from the established protocol of authorities there.

The agency said no one has approached yet the Philippine Consulate in New York for assistance.

The consulate has provided its hotline number on Facebook where Filipino citizens who have relatives possibly involved in the incident may reach. 

Meanwhile, the Palace assured the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers were in coordination regarding the incident.

“Aware din ang Palasyo sa pangyayari at pinag-utos ng pangulo ang patuloy na pag-monitor sa sitwasyon at mabigyan ang mga kababayan natin na naapektuhan ng karampatang tulong,” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

[Translation: The Palace is aware of the incident. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the continuous monitoring of the situation so assistance may be provided to possibly affected Filipinos.]

The police said the bus had 54 occupants. The bus was traveling from Niagara Falls, a known tourist destination, to New York City.

Trooper James O’Callaghan, New York State Police spokesperson, earlier said most of the passengers were Asian or of Asian descent, including Chinese, Indians, and Filipinos.

Authorities reported multiple individuals were taken to Erie County Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban, and UMMR in Batavia.

“The cause of the collision is still under investigation, however the operator, Bin Shao, 55 of Flushing, NY had no signs of impairment and the tour bus had no mechanical failure,” the report read.