“Niagara Falls: 57 Injured in Major Collision, Four Individuals Unaccounted For”

Niagara Falls: 57 Injured in Major Collision, Four Individuals Unaccounted For

Niagara Falls, ON — A major road accident near Niagara Falls on Thursday afternoon resulted in injuries to 57 passengers, with emergency crews currently searching for four individuals who remain unaccounted for. The incident occurred on a busy stretch of highway, causing widespread disruption and prompting a massive emergency response.

According to authorities, the crash involved a passenger bus and a large commercial vehicle in a head-on collision just outside the city limits. The bus, reportedly carrying tourists visiting the region, suffered extensive damage upon impact. Emergency services arrived on the scene shortly after 3:00 PM and immediately began evacuating injured individuals and securing the area.

“First responders did an incredible job in extremely challenging conditions,” said Niagara Regional Police spokesperson Sgt. Melanie Carter. “The priority was to ensure the safety of all involved and to locate the missing individuals as quickly as possible.”

Local hospitals have confirmed that 57 people are currently receiving medical treatment for various injuries, ranging from minor bruises to more serious trauma. At least eight individuals are reported to be in critical condition. Emergency rooms across the region are working in coordination to ensure all patients receive the care they need.

The four unaccounted-for individuals were believed to be aboard the bus at the time of the accident. Search and rescue operations are underway, with drones, tracking dogs, and helicopters being deployed to canvas nearby wooded areas and ditches. Officials say the missing individuals may have been ejected from the vehicle or wandered away from the scene in a state of shock.

“We are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen anything unusual in the area to contact our tip line,” Sgt. Carter added. “Every piece of information helps.”

Niagara Falls Mayor Laura Thompson expressed her concern and support for those affected, saying, “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We are deeply grateful to our emergency services for their swift response. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that weather conditions may have played a role, as heavy fog and slick roads were reported in the area around the time of the crash. Investigators are also examining whether mechanical failure or driver error could have contributed.

Transportation officials have temporarily closed the section of highway where the crash occurred, urging motorists to take alternate routes. Cleanup and forensic examination of the scene are expected to continue into the weekend.

This incident marks one of the most serious traffic accidents in the Niagara region in recent years. As authorities work to determine the cause and ensure all those affected are accounted for, community members are rallying to provide support and comfort to the victims and their families.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *