20 Dead After Limousine Crash in Upstate New York
By RJ Johnson - @rickerthewriter
October 7, 2018
New York state police say at least 20 people have been killed after a limousine and another vehicle collided at an intersection in upstate New York.
Police did not release the names of the victims involved in the crash. News reports indicate the limousine was carrying a wedding party.
During a Saturday night news press conference, New York State Police Capt. Richard O’Brien told reporters that police received 911 calls about a two-vehicle collision about 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon just west of Albany.
"What we can tell you at this point is that it is a 2-vehicle, multi-fatalities as a result of this crash. The investigation is very preliminary, it’s in its infancy stages," Capt. O’Brien said.
The crash occurred outside the Apple Barrel Country Store and Cafe, a popular stop for tourists during the fall. Multiple emergency crews arrived on scene, including the American Red Cross, the Schoharie County Sheriff's office and the New York state police.
The National Transportation Safety Board wrote on Twitter they were sending a "go-team" to the crash site to help give local authorities a better idea of what happened. Go-teams are made up of members sent from NTSB headquarters in Washington D.C. who investigate major accidents.
NTSB launching go-team today to limo crash near Albany, NY. More details to come. Check @ntsb_newsroom for additional updates.
— NTSB_Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) October 7, 2018
The cause of the limousine crash is still under investigation, police said.
The Apple Barrel Country Store and Cafe released a statement about the incident, thanking first responders and informing customers they would be open on Sunday, following the horrific accident.
“As you may be aware, there was a horrific accident in front of our business today. First, we want to thank all of the emergency services that responded. We are so thankful for all of you,” the store said. "We will be collecting donations for our local volunteer emergency services. They are the heroes of our small community."
The store has added a 'donate' button to its Facebook post where people can contribute, saying that their "hearts and prayers go out to everyone" affected by the fatal crash.