ROCHESTER, N.Y. (1010 WINS) – A tour bus carrying multiple passengers rolled over on I-490 west of Rochester Wednesday morning, prompting a shutdown of the highway near Union Street in Chili and leaving more than 20 people injured, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
“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,” Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “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.”
Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter confirmed in a press conference that the crash occurred after the driver departed New York City after midnight en route to Niagara Falls. Officers found passengers trapped inside the overturned bus while others were found walking along the roadside.
All 28 people aboard were sent to hospitals, some with minor injuries, after the bus overturned on Interstate 490 west of Rochester around 7 a.m. One person was critically injured, according to officials.
Baxter stated that the incident is being treated as a criminal investigation but said that there is no evidence of criminal activity. The driver has been cooperative. Drugs or alcohol are not believed to be factors in the crash.
I-490 remains closed in both directions between exits 3 and 4 as authorities continue their investigation. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.