A LIMOUSINE crash in the town of Schoharie in New York State has claimed the lives of 20 people.
The incident occurred at around 1.55pm local time on Saturday, October 6.
Reports suggest the vehicle was transporting a wedding party.
The limo driver and all 17 passengers died, as did two pedestrians who were struck by the vehicle.
All of the deceased were adults.
Schoharie is approximately 160 miles north of New York City and 40 miles west of the state capital, Albany.
Intersection
Chris Fiore, First Deputy Superintendent with the New York State Police, told a press conference the limousine had failed to stop at an intersection.
The 2001 Ford Excursion limousine was travelling south-west on State Route 30.
After failing to stop at the intersection with State Route 30A, the vehicle drove into a parking lot where it struck a parked 2015 Toyota Highlander.
The parked car was unoccupied, however two pedestrians were struck and killed.
The limousine then carried on before ending up in a field.
“At this time the identities of the victims are not being released pending the autopsy results and notification of the family members,” said Fiore.
The autopsies are due to be carried out at the Albany medical Center.
'Horrific'
Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, said the crash had caused ‘unspeakable sorrow’.
“My heart breaks for the 20 people who lost their lives in this horrific accident on Saturday in Schoharie,” he said.
“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 launched a team to investigate the crash.
