Three New Jersey Residents Die in “Devastating” Tour Bus Accident

Many tour bus accidents have occurred throughout New Jersey’s history, and the latest incident shows that these crashes are not slowing down. Sources reported numerous fatalities after a tour bus crashed near Niagara Falls, and three New Jersey residents were among the victims. While officials are still investigating the circumstances of this crash, it is clear that the tour bus industry faces serious questions about safety and accountability. If you were injured in a New Jersey bus accident, consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer at your earliest convenience. 

Driver Reportedly Became Distracted Before Crashing Tour Bus

In August of 2025, New Jersey 101.5 and many other sources reported that a tour bus had crashed near Niagara Falls. The tour bus had 54 people on board at the time, and the collision killed five people. Many other passengers suffered various injuries. The story became national and international news, as some of the passengers on board were foreign tourists. 

New Jersey 101.5 states that the driver “apparently” became distracted moments before the crash, which saw the bus roll over onto its side. This comes straight from the mouth of the local officials, although police representatives did not reveal why or how the bus driver became distracted. 

As the bus rolled onto its side, multiple people were ejected from the windows. Those who perished were likely crushed underneath the weight of the vehicle, and many other victims found themselves trapped within the wreckage. First responders transported “dozens” to local hospitals, although it appears that none faced life-threatening injuries. 

Officials also reported that the passengers were of multiple ethnicities, including Chinese, Indian, and Filipino individuals. However, some were New Jersey residents – including a 60-year-old victim from East Brunswick and two in their 50s from Jersey City. 

This likely marks the beginning of an extensive investigation into the incident. Investigators are already looking into the bus company that operated this tour, although it seems as though the organization has no history of safety incidents or major accidents. Attention may turn instead to the driver, but this is still a representative of the company. As such, victims and their families may be able to file claims against the tour company based on the conduct of the driver. 

The bus was also equipped with seatbelts, although it seems that many passengers were not wearing them at the time of the crash. New Jersey has “seatbelt liability” laws that enable defendants to avoid liability if victims fail to wear seatbelts. However, one might argue that seatbelt use in buses is still incredibly rare. This is despite new legislation in the Garden State that mandates seat belts for all tour bus passengers. Seat belts have also become mandatory on school buses in New Jersey. 

Transit Bus Smashes into Utility Truck

Unfortunately, this was not the only major bus accident in New Jersey during August. Earlier in the month, 14 passengers suffered various injuries after a transit bus smashed into a utility truck. Officials say that the utility truck was parked when the transit bus approached, swerved, and collided with it. The utility truck was reportedly carrying out work on the intersection in a lawful and proper manner. 

Witnesses reported seeing bleeding passengers emerging from the wreckage. Twelve passengers were hospitalized, along with the driver of the utility truck and the driver of the transit bus. It is not clear why the bus driver swerved and struck the utility truck. The crash sent the utility truck back onto the sidewalk and into a utility pole, and this impact knocked out power to the entire neighborhood. 

Although these incidents are still under investigation, one has to wonder about the quality of bus drivers in the modern era. Police investigators and perhaps injury attorneys may look into the hiring practices of both NJ Transit and the tour company to determine the manner in which these two drivers were allowed to get behind the wheel. 

Can a New Jersey Bus Accident Lawyer Help Me?

If you are recovering from injuries after a New Jersey bus accident, consider contacting a lawyer. There is no sense in paying your medical bills out of your own pocket if you are not to blame for the accident. You might also receive compensation for your lost income, emotional distress, and other damages. If you have lost a loved one to a fatal tour bus or transit accident in New Jersey, you may have the opportunity to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Consider delving deeper into this topic with guidance from Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C.