CHILI, NY — One person is in critical condition and 28 people were taken to local hospitals after a tour bus overturned on westbound I-490 Thursday.

It happened around 7 am near Exit 4 towards Chili. The bus left New York around midnight and its last stop was Niagara Falls, making stops along the Thruway to pick up and drop off passengers.

When first responders arrived, the bus was lying on its side. Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter said several semi truck drivers helped people who were wandering around I-490 confused or stuck in the bus.

“They’ve certainly helped save lives, from the point of view that you’ve got people confused in shock wandering around 490 in the dark,” he said.

The person in critical condition went into surgery. Everyone on the bus was spotted and two of them had to be released. It took 18 ambulances to transport all the passengers to four different local hospitals. More than 100 first responders were on the scene.

“Through coordinated efforts with our hospitals, we were able to get that number of patients in that amount of time,” Baxter said.

Baxter said nearly every EMT unit in Monroe County, the New York State Police and several fire offices responded. First responders then worked to reach families to ensure their loved ones were accounted for. Anyone with information about their loved one on the bus can call the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at (585)-753-4455.

The westbound lanes are still closed between exit 4 and exit 3 towards Riga, but the eastbound lanes are open. New York State Police and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies are working to investigate.

At this time, they do not believe the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and are cooperating. Police do not believe any other vehicles were involved.

The bus that crashed was a FlixBus. A spokesperson for FlixBus released this statement to News10NBC:

“We are aware of the accident near Churchville, NY. Our team is actively working with the bus operator to understand the details and provide the 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 seek updates from the bus operator and authorities as the investigation progresses. We have no additional information to share at this time.”

Local hospitals also submitted statements. Rochester Regional Health released this statement about the accident:

“Two Rochester Regional Health hospitals, Rochester General and Unity, received patients following a serious bus accident on I-490 this morning. Our team is ready and fully mobilized, 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 we train for regularly and coordinate closely with EMS and local law enforcement to ensure a quick and organized response.”

“Updates on the patient’s condition will be provided as they become available. Our thoughts are with all those involved and their families at this difficult time.”

The University of Rochester Medical Center released this statement:

“Thirteen passengers from the bus that crashed on the 490 this morning were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. One adult patient was taken for emergency surgery, the other 12 are being evaluated in the Strong Emergency Department, including a child who does not appear to have serious injuries. Three other adult patients were taken to Highland Hospital and are being assessed in the emergency room.”

“Family members with questions can call the sheriff’s family hotline at 585-753-4455.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul released this statement about the crash:

“This morning a large multi-passenger bus overturned on I-490 west of the city of Rochester. State police and the Department of Transportation are on the scene coordinating with local first responders in rescue operations. To allow first responders to do their work, I-490 is closed in both directions between exits 4 and 3, and drivers are encouraged to find alternate 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.”