PEMBROKE, N.Y. (Aug. 22, 2025) — Newstead firefighters responded Friday to a tour bus rollover on the New York State Thruway in Pembroke, an accident that triggered a mass casualty incident.

The department sent its heavy rescue unit and an ambulance with several members to assist. First Assistant Chief Joe Hawes, one of the first Erie County firefighters on scene, was assigned to lead auto extrication operations.

Officials said multiple agencies — including volunteer and paid fire departments, EMS crews, police, dispatchers, emergency management, the Thruway Authority, tow operators and hospital staff — worked together under difficult conditions to treat victims and stabilize the scene.

Fire officials called the crash a “unique and unthinkable event” and praised the cooperation among responders.