Pinoys among passengers of New York bus that crashed —police

NEW YORK — Several Filipino tourists were among more than 50 passengers on board a tour bus that crashed in Upstate New York on Friday afternoon (local time), police said. 

New York State Police spokesperson Trooper James O’Callaghan said the passengers onboard were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino ethnicity.

The Philippine Consulate in New York is coordinating with the New York State Police to determine the number and condition of Filipino and Filipino American passengers on board.

In a message to GMA Integrated News, Consul General Senen Mangalile said they are still awaiting the official report from authorities and have not received confirmation on whether Filipinos were among the reported fatalities.

“Still waiting for official word from authorities. Right now they are only giving details to immediate family,” Mangalile said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Consulate issued an advisory saying it is "keeping in its thoughts and prayers all those impacted by the tragic bus crash on the New York State Thruway in Pembroke, New York."

"The Philippine Consulate is monitoring developments and remains ready to extend assistance to any Filipino national who may have been affected," the advisory read.

Filipinos with relatives possibly involved in the incident may contact the consulate's Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Section emergency hotline at (917) 294-0196.

At least five died, while dozens were injured in the incident, Reuters reported.

The bus was on its way back to New York City from Niagara Falls when it crashed along Interstate 90 in the town of Pembroke.

Police said the driver lost control of the vehicle, which rolled over several times before landing off the side of the freeway.

Passengers who were not wearing seat belts were thrown from their seats during the accident.

Several critically injured passengers had to be airlifted and taken to different hospitals for treatment. —KG/ VDV, GMA Integrated News