A major accident involving a bus linking Montreal and New York, which was likely transporting several Quebecers, left one dead and more than a dozen injured on a highway in the United States.
According to state police, the crash happened around 12:50 a.m. on the southbound expressways of Insterstate 87 between Warrensburg and Lake George.
One of the passengers was airlifted to Albany Medical Center in critical condition and was eventually confirmed dead by authorities.
Another person suffered significant injuries, while ten had more minor injuries, New York State Police said.
A total of 23 people were on board the bus, including the driver, the police said.
Several of the passengers speak French and are Canadian, confirmed to Newspaper Don Lehman, Warren County Public Affairs Director.
“At least one translator was called to ensure communication,” he said.
12 ambulances
“I’m surprised that only one person died. It seemed much worse,” said Paul L. Buckman, an American motorist who passed the scene shortly after the accident.
“The road was not slippery. Unless another vehicle cut the bus off? It’s hard to say what happened. »
Global Affairs Canada had not confirmed last night whether Canadians were among the victims.
A Warren County spokesperson told CNY Central television that 12 ambulances were dispatched to the scene. And at least 11 passengers who were not injured in the crash were taken to the Lake George Fire Department station to warm up.
The bus involved in the accident was operated by Flixbus and was making its planned trip between Montreal and downtown Manhattan, according to what the company told the Newspaper.
“No confirmed information on the causes of the accident is available at this time. FlixBus continues to work closely with the relevant authorities on site and our transport partner to determine the exact circumstances […] “spokesman Mike Ogulnick said by email.
Road Closed
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced on X that the road was closed to allow emergency services to respond.
“I join the public in their prayers for the safe recovery of those involved in this horrific incident and am deeply grateful for the heroic efforts of our first responders,” she added in her post.
State Senator Chuck Schumer also had a thought for the victims of the accident.
“I am closely monitoring the situation following the bus rollover on I-87. I want to thank our brave first responders on scene and I pray for everyone involved,” he said.
–With the QMI Agency