Five Identified, Columbia Student Among Dead in Fatal NY Bus Crash; Investigation Continues

Authorities have released the identities of the five individuals tragically killed in a tour bus crash in western New York on Friday. Among the victims is 22-year-old Xie Hongzhuo, a Columbia University student from Beijing, China. The devastating incident also claimed the lives of Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, of Madhu Bani, India; Pinki Changrani, 60, of East Brunswick, New Jersey; Zhang Xiaolan, 55, of Jersey City, New Jersey; and Jian Mingli, 56, also of Jersey City.

Columbia University expressed profound grief in a statement Saturday, confirming Xie Hongzhuo’s death and offering full support to her family, while making counseling services available to students. The tour bus, carrying 54 people, was en route from Niagara Falls to New York City when it veered out of control and overturned on an interstate parkway near Buffalo around 12:45 p.m. Friday, ejecting and trapping some occupants.

Dozens were hospitalized, including several children. As of Saturday afternoon, 14 patients remained in stable condition at Erie County Medical Center. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation into the crash, which did not involve any other vehicles. Preliminary findings suggest the driver, 55-year-old Bin Shao of Flushing, New York, may have become distracted, lost control, and overcorrected. Authorities noted no signs of impairment or mechanical failure, stating the bus was at “full speed” at the time of the accident. The NTSB is appealing to the public for witnesses or video footage to aid their inquiry. The tour company, M&Y Tour Inc. of Staten Island, has yet to comment on the tragedy.

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