Mercy Flight Reflects on Teamwork After Devastating Thruway Bus Crash.

Mercy Flight Reflects on Teamwork After Devastating Thruway Bus Crash.

Pembroke, N.Y. (August 22, 2025) – In the wake of the horrific tour bus crash on Interstate 90 that killed five people and injured dozens more, Mercy Flight is reflecting on the power of training, preparation, and teamwork.

A Tragic Afternoon on the Thruway

The crash occurred Friday afternoon when a charter bus carrying more than 50 passengers overturned on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke. The accident left five dead, including one child, and more than 40 people with injuries ranging from broken bones to severe head trauma. Several passengers were ejected from the bus as it rolled into a roadside ditch.

Mercy Flight’s Swift Response

Mercy Flight, a nonprofit air medical transport service, played a pivotal role in the massive rescue operation. Within minutes, the organization deployed multiple helicopters to the scene, ultimately coordinating with other agencies to mobilize six medical helicopters and 17 EMS ground units.

The scale of the response was described as one of the largest in recent memory. For many local trauma officials, it was the single incident that produced the highest number of critical patients they had ever seen at once.

Teamwork in Action

Mercy Flight leadership emphasized that Friday’s operation was not just about resources but about coordination. Crews relied on established protocols, constant communication, and trust in one another to ensure that patients were triaged quickly and transported to the appropriate hospitals.

“Training and teamwork are what make the difference in moments like this,” one official noted. “Everyone knew their role, and that made it possible to save as many lives as we could under unimaginable circumstances.”

Gratitude and Mourning

State officials, hospital staff, and first responders expressed both grief for the victims and gratitude for the coordinated effort. Governor Kathy Hochul praised the quick action of state police, emergency crews, and air medical responders, calling the collaboration “a model of what New Yorkers can accomplish together in times of crisis.”

A Reminder of Preparedness

The tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the dangers faced on the road, but also as a powerful example of how preparation and cooperation can turn chaos into life-saving action. Mercy Flight’s reflection on teamwork stands as a testament to the importance of readiness, unity, and compassion in the most critical of moments.