Pembroke, NY (August 23, 2025) — Authorities have released the identities of the five victims killed in a devastating tour bus crash on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke, western New York, on Friday afternoon. Among the dead is 22-year-old Columbia University student, Xie Hongzhuo, a native of Beijing, China, whose loss has shaken the academic community in New York City.
New York State Police confirmed that the other victims were 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, of Jersey City, New Jersey.
The crash occurred around 12:45 p.m. Friday as the tour bus, carrying 54 passengers including children, traveled from Niagara Falls to New York City. According to investigators, the bus veered out of control before tipping on its side, leaving multiple passengers trapped and others ejected from the vehicle.
Columbia University Reacts
In a statement released Saturday, Columbia University expressed deep sorrow over the loss of student Xie Hongzhuo:
“We are devastated by the death of one of our students, Xie Hongzhuo, in the tragic bus accident near Buffalo on Friday. This heartbreaking loss is felt deeply across our community. We are in close contact with her family and offering them our full support. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family, friends, and all who have been touched by this tragedy.”
Counseling services have been made available to students and staff as the university mourns the sudden loss of a promising young life.
Dozens Injured, Cause Under Investigation
Authorities reported that dozens of passengers sustained injuries, including several children. At least 21 victims were transported to Erie County Medical Center, where 14 remain hospitalized in stable condition.
Initial findings suggest that driver distraction may have been a factor. Investigators said the driver, Bin Shao, 55, of Flushing, New York, appeared to lose focus, overcorrected, and subsequently lost control of the bus. Police emphasized there were no signs of impairment and that the vehicle did not suffer a mechanical failure. The bus was reportedly traveling at full speed at the time of the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident, examining driver qualifications, fatigue, bus conditions, and road design. Officials have also appealed for witnesses or anyone with footage to come forward.
A Community in Mourning
The crash has not only left families mourning loved ones but also raised urgent questions about safety standards for charter bus companies. The operator, M&Y Tour Inc. of Staten Island, has not issued a public statement.
As New York mourns the lives lost, tributes continue to pour in for the victims — particularly for Xie Hongzhuo, whose bright future was tragically cut short.