New York limousine crash leaves 20 dead

The incident is likely to be the deadliest wreck the region has seen in years

A relaxed weekend afternoon turned into chaos at an upstate New York spot popular with tourists when a crash involving a limousine left 20 people dead.

A person with knowledge of the investigation told the Associated Press that 18 of the victims in Saturday’s crash were in the limo and two were bystanders.

Roads were closed for several hours amid a reportedly “massive” response for the quiet region of Schoharie County.

At least six ambulances, two helicopter units and three fire companies responded to the emergency, with first responders and state police working throughout the night to reconstruct the crash.

Reports suggested the limo was speeding down a hill and crashed into bystanders at the Apple Barrel Country Store in Schoharie, about 170 miles north of New York City. The crash “sounded like an explosion”, said Linda Riley, who was in the store car park at the time of the incident.

An aunt of one of the victims in the vehicle said the group had been travelling to a birthday celebration.

“I heard some screaming. It looked serious because people were running back and forth,” Bridey Finegan told WNYT NewsChannel 13.

The Apple Barrel Country Store is a popular spot for people looking at autumn leaves and is owned and operated by locals.

In a message posted to its Facebook page, the store said: “Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone that was affected by the events.”

“We will be collecting donations for our local volunteer emergency services,” the post read. “They are the heroes of our small community.”

The wreckage could still be seen on Sunday, as residents and local reporters tweeted photos showing hair brushes, tail lights and tyres along the side of the road. Tracks and skid marks appeared to have damaged the grassland area next to the small eatery, which has now reopened.

Federal investigators were heading to the scene on Sunday to reportedly reconstruct the wreck, and the National Transportation Safety Board was investigating the incident.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: “My heart breaks for the 20 people who lost their lives in this horrific accident on Saturday in Schoharie. I commend the first responders who arrived on the scene and worked through the night to help. State police are working with federal and local authorities to investigate the crash, and I have directed state agencies to provide every resource necessary to aid in this investigation and determine what led to this tragedy.”

The New York State Police said the names of the victims would not be released until next of kin had been notified.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.