20 killed in Schoharie limousine crash

SCHOHARIE – Twenty people died Saturday's crash of a limousine in Schoharie County.

The crash is deadliest in the Capital Region since the Oct. 2, 2005 sinking of the Ethan Allen tour boat on Lake George killed 20 people.

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating what local officials are describing a mass casualty incident after a limo speeding down a hill by Apple Barrel Country Store Saturday.

The crash is deadliest in the Capital Region since the Oct. 2, 2005 sinking of the Ethan Allen tour boat on Lake George killed 20 people.

It is not clear how many of the victims were in the vehicles that crashed at the intersections of Route 30 and Route 30A and how many were bystanders. The Apple Barrel's parking lot was filled with people and parked cars at the time of the crash.

The names of the victims are withheld while troopers try to track down the families of the victims. State Police set up a special hotline for families of people who died in the crash. Family members are encouraged to call the State Police at 1-877-672-4911.

A spokesman for the NTSB, which handles probes of major vehicular disasters, said Sunday that investigators were on their way into the area.

The NTSB investigators are expected to be in the area for more

The crash between a limousine and another vehicle at the junction of roads 30 and 30A happened at about 1:55 pm Saturday. Apple Barrel, a popular spot for tourists during the fall foliage season.

State Police said they reopened the intersection about 4 am Sunday.

Investigators worked in the night on what is likely to be the deadliest vehicle crash the region has seen in years.

The Apple Barrel's parking lot was packed with vehicles and people just moments before the crash occurred.

Witnesses at the scene said several bodies could be seen on the ground.

Estimates on the number of local sources. A Facebook page called Schoharie County Fire Wire and News said it took down its initial post concerning the crash because of the false information that was placed in the string.

It seems that at least two vehicles – including an SUV-style stretch limousine – were involved in the crash. It was unclear if the impact killed pedestrians, passengers or both.

County dispatchers said they received the first of many 9-1-1 calls at 1:55 pm, after the wreck near the store and restaurant in the town of Schoharie.

The emergency calls triggered a massive response that included six ambulances, three fire companies, and two helicopters.

Some of the injured were flown by helicopter to Albany Medical Center Hospital.

As of late on Saturday, the State Police have been reconstructing the wrecks and apprehending the victims.

The Apple Barrel Posted on Wednesday, December 12th, 2009 at 9:50 am

"We hope you will come and share your smiles, love, friendship, and we will be able to share your donations for your local volunteer emergency services."

"Our hearts and prayers are going to be affected by the events of today," the post continued. "You will always be part of our family."

The store also said, "We will not be discussing the events of today.

Schoharie Town Supervisor Alan Tavenner said Saturday that the state of the Department of Transportation made seven years ago to the dangerous intersection did not seem to make it safer.

"There's been a miracle they did not kill somebody," said Tavenner.