CHILI, NY — A tour bus crashed on westbound I-490 on Thursday, sending one person in critical condition and 28 people to local hospitals.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m. near Exit 4 to Chile. The bus left New York City around midnight, with its final stop being Niagara Falls, where it stopped along the Thruway to pick up and drop off passengers.

The bus was on its side when first responders arrived. Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter said several truck drivers were helping people walking in confusion on I-490 or stranded on buses.

“They definitely helped save lives in terms of basically confusing people in shock who were wandering around 490 in the dark,” he said.

The person who was in critical condition was taken into surgery. Everyone on the bus was identified and two had to be rescued. It took 18 ambulances to transport all passengers to four different local hospitals. More than 100 first responders were dispatched to the scene.

“Thanks to our coordinated work with our hospitals, we were able to admit this many patients in this amount of time,” Baxter said.

Almost every EMS agency in Monroe County, New York State Police and multiple fire offices responded, Baxter said. First responders then tried to reach families to make sure their loved ones were accounted for. Anyone wanting information about their loved one on the bus can call the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at (585)-753-4455.

Westbound lanes between Exit 4 and Exit 3 into Riga are still closed, but eastbound lanes are open. New York State Police and Monroe County sheriff’s deputies are investigating the incident.

At this point they do not believe the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and is cooperating. Police do not believe another vehicle was involved in the incident.

The bus that crashed was FlixBus. A FlixBus spokesperson released the following statement to News10NBC:

“We are aware of the crash that occurred near Churchville, NY. Our team is actively working with the bus operator to understand the details and provide necessary assistance to passengers. Please note that FlixBus is not a bus operator; All timetables are operated by third-party bus companies. We will continue to receive updates from the bus operator and authorities as the investigation progresses. “We have no additional information to share at this time.”

Local hospitals also made statements. Rochester Regional Health made the following statement about the accident:

“Two Rochester Regional Health hospitals, Rochester General and Unity, are accepting patients following a serious bus crash on I-490 this morning. Our team is prepared and fully mobilized and is working quickly to provide care to those affected. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of all patients, and staff and resources have been allocated to effectively manage this influx.”

“This is a scenario for which we regularly train, and we work in close coordination with local EMS and law enforcement to ensure a rapid and organized response.”

“Updates on patient condition will be provided as they become available. Our thoughts are with all individuals involved and their families during this difficult time.”

The University of Rochester Medical Center released the following statement:

“The 13 passengers on the bus that crashed on 490 early this morning were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. One adult patient underwent emergency surgery, while 12 other patients are under evaluation in the Güçlü Emergency Department, including a child who did not have serious injuries. “The other three adult patients were taken to Highland Hospital and are being evaluated in the emergency room.”

“Family members with questions can call the Sheriff’s family contact line at 585-753-4455.”

Governor Kathy Hochul made the following statement about the accident:

“Early this morning, a large bus with multiple passengers overturned on I-490 west of the City of Rochester. State Police and the Department of Transportation are on scene to coordinate with local first responders on rescue operations. To allow first responders to do their job, I-490 is closed in both directions between exits 4 and 3, and drivers are encouraged to find alternative routes. “I join the people of New York in praying for the well-being of all involved in this serious incident, and I am deeply grateful for the heroic efforts of our first responders.”