20 Killed in Upstate New York Limo Crash

A group of friends, including four sisters and two brothers, traveling to Cooperstown for a celebration were among the twenty killed in an Upstate New York limo crash after the driver failed to stop at a highly dangerous intersection.

The driver, whose name is unknown, also perished in the crash plowed through the T-intersection and into a parking lot for the Apple Barrel country store parking lot striking two pedestrians, who were killed instantly and continuing forward striking an unoccupied 2015 SUV before striking a tree and coming to a stop in a embankment.

The occupants of the limousine, who were all killed instantly, were all friends from Amsterdam, NY and were traveling to celebrate the 30th birthday of the youngest.

The Apple Barrel Country Store and Cafe, in Schoharie, New York, was open and full with both locals and visitors who decribed an explosion, screams and an intense whoosh as the tranquil tourist stop went from a peaceful Saturday afternoob to chaotic carnage.


Beltway Insider: Trump/GOP Tout SCOTUS Win; Deceptive Jobs Report; Lindsey Graham; WaPo Journo Missing


Relatives of the victims were speaking with the Associated Press.

"Barbara Douglas, Aunt to the four sisters said three of the sisters were with their husbands, and she identified them as Amy and Axel Steenburg, Abigail and Adam Jackson, Mary and Rob Dyson and Allison King," the Associated Press reported.

"They were wonderful girls," she said, speaking with reporters Sunday. "They'd do anything for you and they were very close to each other and they loved their family. They did the responsible thing getting a limo so they wouldn't have to drive anywhere," she said, adding the couples had several children between them who they left at home.

Rich Steenberg, 34, brother of Axel, 29, also died in the crash. The two brothers, were very close and also worked together. Family members of newlyweds Erin Vertucci and Shane McGowen have confirmed they too were killed in the crash. Another friend, Amy Rivenburg also died.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued the following statement: "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. I join all New Yorkers in mourning these deaths and share in the unspeakable sorrow experienced by their families and loved ones during this extremely difficult time." 

The National Transportation Safety Board has begun a primarily investigation and indicated they were in the infancy stages. All factors from speed to road conditions to visibility impairments, mechanical issues, manufacturer, driver record and accident history will all be examined.

Local residents are quick to point out the T-Intersection is extremely dangerous.


Undercover Cops Break Facebook Rules To Track Protesters, Ensnare Criminals


“Jessica Kirby, the Apple Barrel’s store manger told the New York Times, the limo was coming down a hill at "probably over 60 mph." In an email to The Associated Press, she complained that the junction where the crashed occurred is accident-prone. We have had 3 tractor trailer type trucks run through the stop through our driveway and into a field behind the business," Kirby wrote. "All of these occurred during business hours and could've killed someone then." [Yahoo News reported]

The destiantion is about 170 north of Manhattan and a popular tourist stop to view the beautiful fall foliage in Upstate New York.

The Schoharie crash is the deadliest since a bus fire in 2009 killed 23 elderly patients being evacuated during Hurricane Rita.

This is a developing story.

Haute Tease

  • World News: OPEC’s Post Covid Global Squeeze

    The rising oil prices bring worry to industrialized countries concerned about slowing the predicted sustained post-Covid global growth. But this surge in prices also highlights the role of OPEC, an actor and victim of the rise of black gold.

     
  • Bridgend Review - Stirring, Resonating, Shocking

    Bridgend presents a shocking true story of the suicide epidemic in South Wales that overwhelmed a village as one by one their youth decided that dying was a better alternative, the soul stirring accounts are gripping in their portrayals.

     
  • Ten Fool Proof Ways to Change Your Skin and the Science Behind It

    The world of skincare is constantly changing. New products and trends aimed toward improving our complexions are popping up daily. From supplements to diets to moisturizers, the beauty industry is taking a new approach to skincare.

     
  • Health News: The Ten Most Active Cities in America

    Nearly half way through January and those New Year’s resolutions already need dusting off. That’s right . . what, in my champagne fueled madness did I openly pledged, promise to my friends, neighbors, partner and self that I would faithfully maintain? What were they again?

     
  • Business/Finance: CNBC’S Becky Quick Interviews Walmart CEO Doug McMillon

    At the recent CNBC Evolve Conference held in Los Angeles, Becky Quick, the co-anchor of CNBC’s Squawk Box interviewed the president and CEO of Walmart, Doug McMillion on the future of the superstore as it fights online options and recent tragedies.

     
  • Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit – Expect a White Knuckle Thrill Ride

    Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” explodes into theaters January 17, 2014, bringing to the screen a white hot thrill ride, a full blown international chase through the inner sanctums of global espionage and black ops and an all star cast.