An accident involving a tour bus with more than 50 people has shut down all lanes of the New York Thruway east of Buffalo, according to State Police and 911 dispatches.
Genesee County’s 911 dispatchers reported the incident involved more than 50 patients in Pembroke. Multiple agencies were responding, including four helicopters, according to dispatches.
All lanes on the Thruway were closed east of Buffalo starting at between Exits 49 and 48A, the Thruway reported this afternoon.
Thruway officials described it as a serious accident.
Erie County’s executive, Mark Poloncarz said it was a “mass casualty” accident in nearby Genesee County.
“I have been advised the NYS Thruway is closed westbound at Exit 48A (Pembroke) and Eastbound at Exit 49 (Depew) until further notice due to the serious mass casualty bus accident in Genesee County just over the Erie County line,” he posted on X. “Vehicles will be detoured off the Thruway at each.”
Exit 49 is for Depew/Lockport. Exit 48A is for the Pembroke and Medina area.
The accident was reported at around 12:20 p.m.
Expect heavy delays, State Police warned.
This is a breaking story. It will be updated.
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