A devastating tour bus crash on the New York State Thruway has resulted in five fatalities, including a Columbia University student and several others from New Jersey and India. The incident occurred while the bus was returning from a Niagara Falls tour, with reports indicating that at least 44 additional passengers were injured and transported to local hospitals. State police have confirmed the identities of the deceased victims, who were all aboard the bus when it lost control and rolled over near Pembroke. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, with preliminary indications suggesting distracted driving may have contributed to the tragedy. Rescue operations were immediately initiated following the crash, and the area has since been reopened to traffic. This incident highlights the urgent need for safety measures in the tour bus industry, as investigations reveal the bus company involved had previous legal troubles.