Monday News Brief
Written by Pete Zehler on August 25, 2025
State Police Release Names of Victims in Deadly I-90 Bus Crash
On Saturday evening, State Police released the names of the five people killed in Friday’s tragic tour bus rollover on the I-90 in Pembroke, Genesee County.
The victims are:
Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, of India
Pinki Changrani, 60, of East Brunswick, NJ
Xie Hongzhuo, 22, of Beijing, China, a Columbia University student
Zhang Xiaolan, 55, of Jersey City, NJ
Jian Mingli, 56, of Jersey City, NJ
The crash happened just after noon Friday when a bus owned by M&Y Tour Inc., traveling from Niagara Falls to New York City, left the roadway, overturned, and rolled down an embankment.
Of the 54 people onboard, many were ejected or trapped. Dozens were rushed to area hospitals with the help of Mercy Flight and multiple EMS agencies.
Troopers say the driver, 55-year-old Bin Shao of Flushing, showed no signs of impairment, and no mechanical issues were found. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with dash cam video is asked to call State Police in Batavia at 585-344-6200.
Volpe Brothers Band Live in Corfu
The Volpe Brothers Band is playing tonight at the Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant in Corfu. Music runs from 6 to 9 p.m., rain or shine. Bring some friends, enjoy a meal, and take in an evening of live entertainment at one of Genesee County’s favorite spots.
Sign Up for the Oakfield Labor Daze Hornet Hustle 5K
Registration is open for the annual Labor Daze Hornet Hustle 5K Run and Walk in Oakfield. Sign up now to guarantee your race t-shirt and support a great cause. Proceeds fund scholarships for graduating seniors, a tradition started last year with awards to Sayde Bush and Katelynn Williams. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it — register today at OakfieldBetterment.com/5K, and learn more about Labor Daze at OakfieldBetterment.com.
Captain Albano Smashes Track Record in Kane Memorial at Batavia Downs
It was a historic night at Batavia Downs.
Captain Albano set a new all-time track record in the $100,000 Robert J. Kane Memorial Invitational Pace.
Driven by Tyler Buter, Captain Albano outdueled last year’s winner, Desperate Man, in the stretch to win in 1:50.1. That’s the fastest mile ever paced at Batavia Downs. The victory was his 22nd in just 34 starts.
It also pushed his career earnings to nearly $1.8 million for trainer Noel Daley and owners Patricia Stable, L A Express and Sjoblom Racing, and Michael Dolan.
The night also featured New York Sire Stakes action with more than $236,000 in purses.
My Debt Collector took the $121,800 filly division in 1:56.3 for trainer Nifty Norman, Variegated dominated his $56,900 split to stay undefeated, and Fadeaway Hanover scored in 1:57.4 to notch his seventh win of the season.
A big night of harness racing, records, and rising stars at Batavia Downs.
Bethany Accident
Emergency crews responded to a car versus pedestrian accident on Conway Road in Bethany Sunday morning around 6 AM.
Bethany Fire and Mercy EMS found the pedestrian on a front lawn with a head laceration and lower leg injuries.
The patient was transported to Strong Hospital.
Genesee County Arrest Roundup
Austin V. Smithers, 24, of Buffalo, was arrested after sneaking back into a Thomas Rhett concert at Darien Lake following a previous ejection.
Jill M. Turner, 43, of Batavia, faces criminal contempt charges after allegedly threatening someone with her car in violation of an order of protection.
Timothy J. Pryor, 49, of East Syracuse, was arrested for aggravated DWI after a crash at the Six Flags Darien Lake Campground that involved a child passenger.
Juan M. Rivera-Cruz, 47, of Oakfield, was charged with cocaine possession and DWI after a traffic stop in Oakfield.
Pietro Russo, 50, of Batavia, was charged with assault following a fight on Holland Avenue.
