NY Tour Bus Driver Charged in Deadly Thruway Crash

Bin Shao faces manslaughter and negligent homicide charges for August 2025 incident that killed 5 passengers.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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More than six months after a devastating tour bus crash claimed five lives on the New York State Thruway, Bin Shao, the 56-year-old driver, has been indicted on charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. The incident, which occurred in August 2025 near Pembroke, New York, involved a bus traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City carrying 54 passengers, many of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent.

Why it matters

This case reflects a growing trend toward increased accountability for drivers in serious transportation incidents, with prosecutors increasingly scrutinizing driver behavior and decision-making, even in the absence of traditional impairment factors. The outcome could have significant implications for the tour bus industry, potentially leading to stricter safety standards and oversight.

The details

According to court documents, Shao is accused of driving at a high speed when the bus lost control. While investigations ruled out mechanical failure and driver impairment due to alcohol or drugs, the charges center around the 'decisions made and the actions taken' by Shao while operating the vehicle. The victims have been identified as Shankar Kumar Jha, Pinki Changrani, Xie Hongzhuo, Zhang Xiaolan, and Jian Mingli.

  • The crash occurred in August 2025 near Pembroke, New York.
  • Shao was arrested on Thursday and pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Friday.
  • Shao's next court appearance is scheduled for March 9.

The players

Bin Shao

A 56-year-old resident of Flushing, New York, who was the driver of the tour bus involved in the deadly crash.

Kevin Finnell

The Genesee County District Attorney who is prosecuting the case against Shao.

M&Y Tour Inc.

The bus company that operated the tour bus involved in the crash.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold drivers accountable for the safety of their passengers.”

— Kevin Finnell, Genesee County District Attorney (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 9 whether to allow Bin Shao to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of driver accountability in the transportation industry and the growing trend towards stricter scrutiny of driver behavior, even in the absence of traditional impairment factors. The outcome could lead to significant changes in the tour bus industry, including enhanced safety standards and oversight.