2018 — Oct 6, Birthday party limo hits vehicle/bystanders, Apple Barrel, Schoharie, NY–20

lornajarrettblanchard October 6, 2018

–20 New York Times. “20 Dead in Limousine Crash in Upstate New York.” 10-7-2018.

–20 NYT. “Limo Crash Kills 20 in Upstate New York; Nation’s Deadliest Accident in 9 Years.”

–20 Times Union (Goodwin), Albany NY. “20 killed in Schoharie limousine crash.” 10-7-2018.

Narrative Information

Oct 8: “The driver of a supersized limousine involved in a crash that killed 20 people outside an upstate New York country store wasn’t properly licensed,[1] and the limo failed a state safety inspection just last month and shouldn’t have been on the road, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday.

“The state ordered the owner, Prestige Limousine, to shut down while an investigation continues into the cause of Saturday’s wreck in Schoharie. Federal records show the company has undergone five inspections and had four vehicles pulled from service in the last two years. ‘In my opinion, the owner of this company had no business putting a failed vehicle on the road,’ Cuomo said… ‘Prestige has a lot of questions to answer.’

“State police said investigators were reviewing text messages and social media posts from victims who were active moments before the deadly crash. Police seized four vehicles from the company including the one involved in the crash, and said the owner of the company would face criminal prosecution if they are at fault….

“….the tragedy…happened as a group of friends and family were on their way to a 30th birthday celebration…

“…authorities had yet to say how fast the limo was going,[2] whether its occupants wore seat belts or what caused the vehicle to run a stop sign.

“Investigators were conducting autopsies, including on the driver, to see if drugs or alcohol were factors, and the National Transportation Safety Board was also looking into whether the limo had any mechanical problems.

“But officials already saw some red flags, Cuomo said: The driver didn’t have the necessary commercial license, the limo had been cut apart and lengthened in a way Cuomo said violated federal law, and the vehicle failed a state inspection that examined such things as the chassis, suspension and brakes.

“The wreck killed two pedestrians and all 18 people in the limousine, including four sisters who were headed with friends and relatives to a brewery for a party for one of the sisters. A vigil was planned Monday night in Amsterdam, where some victims lived….

“The limousine, built from a 2001 Ford Excursion, ran a stop sign at an T-shaped intersection at the bottom of a hill and slammed into an unoccupied SUV at the Apple Barrel Country Store and Cafe, a popular stop for autumn leaf-peepers.

“The crash appeared to be the deadliest land-vehicle accident in the U.S. since a bus full of Texas nursing home patients fleeing 2005′s Hurricane Rita caught fire, killing 23. Saturday’s wreck was the nation’s deadliest transportation accident of any kind since a 2009 plane crash near Buffalo, New York, killed 50 people.

“Limousines built in factories are required to meet stringent safety regulations. But luxury cars that have been converted to limos like the one in Saturday’s crash often lack certain safety components, such as side-impact airbags, reinforced rollover protection bars and accessible emergency exits.

“There are few federal regulations governing limos that have been modified after leaving the factory. Regulations often vary by state and even local governments.

“Ford said it has never made its own stretch version of the Excursion SUV. The automaker has a program that certifies companies that modify vehicles to Ford specifications, but it was unclear whether the limo in Saturday’s crash was altered by one of those companies.

“There were 12 wrecks — and a dozen crash deaths — involving large limos from 2012 to 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration….” (CBS/AP. “Limo in New York crash ‘not supposed to be on the road,’ governor says.” 10-8-2018.)

Oct 8: “….The limo company has been identified as Prestige Limousine Chauffeur Service in Gansevoort, New York, according to an official with knowledge of the investigation. US Department of Transportation records show Prestige Limousine Chauffeur Service has two drivers and three vehicles. Its vehicles were inspected five times in the last two years, and the company has had four vehicles taken out of service….

“Cuomo said officials are working on “a cease-and-desist order to stop Prestige Limousine from operating until the investigation is concluded.”….

“It’s not clear whether the driver was speeding, whether the brakes were working, or whether the passengers were wearing seat belts, said Chris Fiore of the New York State Police. In limousines, rear passengers are not required to wear seat belts, Goelz said[3]….” (CNN. “The limo that crashed and killed 20 people failed inspection. And the driver wasn’t properly licensed.” 10-8-2018.)

Oct 8: “The deadliest transportation disaster in the U.S. since 2009 killed 20 people on Saturday when a limousine drove through an intersection, and rammed into an unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot of the Apple Barrel Country Store in Schoharie. The limo victims were young adults celebrating a 30th birthday party, including four sisters, three of their husbands, a husband’s brother and other friends….” (Times Union {Mallory Moench}, Albany, NY. “Schoharie limo victims: What we know.” 10-8-2018.)

Oct 8: “Schoharie, New York — Twenty people were killed in a “horrific” limousine crash in upstate New York in what investigators are calling one of the “most deadly” transportation accidents in years. Eighteen of the victims were in a 2001 Ford Excursion limousine, which crashed into a parked 2015 Toyota Highlander in the parking lot of the Apple Barrel Country Store in Schoharie, N.Y. Two of the victims were pedestrians, according to New York State Police….” (ABC 6 Action News, Philadelphia. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie, NY accident.” 10-8-2018.)

Oct 8: “Latham, N.Y. (News10) – he New York State Police and National Transportation Safety Board are working side by side as they continue to investigate the fatal limousine crash in Schoharie. New York State Police announced on Monday [Oct 8] they recovered the airbag control module from the limousine involved in Saturday’s fatal crash. It acts like the vehicle’s black box and will provide critical information, including how fast the limo was traveling at the time of impact.

“NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said they found extensive damage to the front left side of the 2001 Ford Excursion. Currently, there are no apparent skid marks at the intersection of Route 30 and Route 30A. ‘If an entire engine block is moved and basically crushed back past the driver’s seat, that would indicate there was a lot of force and energy involved in that crash,’ he said.

“NYSP Major Robert Patnaude said the driver did not have the appropriate license to operate the limo and the limo company, Prestige Limo, has been under scrutiny by the New York State Department of Transportation in the past. He went on to say the limo should never have been on the road after failing several inspections. But Lee Kindlon, the attorney representing Prestige Limo, said otherwise. ‘We know the vehicle had been inspected and passed a series of state inspections, and it was safe to be on the road,’ Kindlon said. State police said they seized the remaining three vehicles from Prestige Limo and will be examining each one….

“It was…announced the 17 passengers were in the limo as a last resort. ‘I believe that they had tried to hire a different vehicle, but it cancelled for some reason so the subject in charge of this excursion scrambled and found this company to satisfy their needs for the day,’[4] Major Patnaude said….” (News 10 ABC (Samantha DiMascio), Albany, NY. “NYSP, NTSB release updates on fatal Schoharie limo crash.” 10-8-2018.)

Oct 8: “The driver in the deadly upstate limo crash was busted twice on drug charges during the past eight years — including once during a traffic stop, according to reports published at the time. Scott Lisinicchia, then 48, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana and an equipment violation when he was stopped while driving in Saratoga Springs on Nov. 22, 2013, The Saratogian reported the following day. Lisinicchia was also charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in Saratoga Springs on July 2, 2010, according to the Saratogian….” (New York Post, Bruce Golding. “Driver in deadly limo crash reportedly had prior drug busts.” 10-8-2018.)

Oct 8: “Traveling by stretch limo may seem like the height of prudence for people going out to party, but it has hidden pitfalls…. many stretch limousines might be considered a kind of automotive zombie: They are former cars or sport utility vehicles that have been transformed after they leave the factory, and exist in a regulatory limbo. They usually do not have to meet arduous federal safety requirements, and they face a haphazard inspection system that varies from state to state. ‘Without sufficient safety standards in place, it is nothing but a fine line between a stretch limousine and a hearse,’ Thomas Spota, the former Suffolk County district attorney, said in 2016. Moreover, ordinarily cautious people who buckle up in their own cars may be less likely to do so in for-hire vehicles….

“The stretch limo was a 2001 Ford Excursion that could seat nine people when it left the factory. Nearly two decades later, it held 18 — many of them seated along the sides. Ordinary cars are strictly regulated by the federal government, and most meet safety standards of the insurance industry. Not so for stretch limos.

“What is a stretch limo? There’s no official definition, but in the real world, it’s this: a regular car or S.U.V. that has been cut in half, separating the front and rear. The body is extended on the top, bottom and sides. Additional seating is added, often along the sides….

“The passengers in the Schoharie crash did not appear to have been wearing seatbelts, according to Matt Deffer, chief of the Esperance Fire Department, which responded to the scene. Unbelted riders not only put themselves at risk but can become a flying hazard to the belted passengers, said Raul Arbelaez, an engineer with the institute. Their bodies can be hurled through a vehicle’s interior at terrible speeds. Slightly more than 38,000 people died in crashes last year, and about half were unbelted.

“Does design change safety? By federal law, vehicle interiors are designed, in part, as cages that deflect the forces of a crash away from the passengers. The modifications to create a stretch limo eliminate some of those protections. In making the vehicle longer, side rollover pillars and airbags are removed or become useless. Chief Deffer said the Ford Excursion in Schoharie had extensive damage ‘on both sides, to the front, and the interior.’….

“How about avoiding crashes? Keeping control of such large vehicles is a challenge for the driver. Fatalities from S.U.V. rollovers led to a regulation that required the addition of electronic stability control. But that’s not really going to help a stretch limo. ‘When you modify a vehicle this much, the algorithms for electronic stability control would not work because you’ve changed the length and mass,’ Mr. Arbelaez said. Brakes and tires are typically designed around the size of the vehicle, and increasing the mass changes the vehicle dynamics, he said….

“A Long Island grand jury issued a report in 2016 that said stretch limousines were underregulated. The report followed a collision between a stretch limousine and a pickup truck that killed for people who were traveling on a tour of wineries on the North Fork of Long Island. Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, called for more regulation after those deaths….

“Mr. Arbelaez said that as awful as the crash on Saturday was, it was unlikely to stimulate new research. Highway safety specialists, he said, tend to focus on changes that can save large numbers of lives, and stretch limousines are just a tiny portion of road traffic. ‘I think there is little or no effort going into limo-type crashes,’ Mr. Arbelaez said.” (New York Times. “The Hidden Dangers of Riding in a Stretch Limousine.” 10-8-2018.)

Oct 9: “Schoharie, New York (CNN)…. At least one victim seemed worried about the condition of the limo, according to text messages shared with the New York Times….

“US Department of Transportation records show Prestige Limousine Chauffeur Service has two drivers and three vehicles. Its vehicles were inspected five times in the last two years, and the company has had four vehicles taken out of service….

“State Police Maj. Robert Patnaude said authorities have located the limo company owner, Shahed Hussain, who is currently in Pakistan….

“TSB chairman Robert Sumwalt said the limo was configured for 19 seats. Some seats had lap-shoulder belts, but it wasn’t immediately clear whether all the seats were equipped with seat belts and whether anyone had them on, Sumwalt said. In New York, limo rear passengers are not required to wear seat belts, according by Sumwalt. He said some seats remained anchored to the floor during the crash….” (CNN. “The limo that crashed and killed 20 people failed inspection. And the driver wasn’t properly licensed.” 10-9-2018 update.)

Oct 9: “Schoharie – The safety of intersection Route 30 South and Route 30A in Schoharie has been called into question following Saturday’s deadly limousine crash that left 20 dead. According to residents, the intersection has long been problematic in the Schoharie County town about 35 miles outside Albany…. Route 30 South runs downhill until it meets Route 30A near the Apple Barrel Country Store, the scene of Saturday’s deadly accident, the worst in the U.S. in nearly a decade….

“Efforts to fix the troubled intersection have been made in the past, according to Schoharie Town Supervisor Alan Tavenner. ‘There were some modifications 10 or 12 years ago to make it more direct, a T. It was a Y intersection before,’ Tavenner said. Modifications were done by the State Department of Transportation since they are state roads. ‘There were problems with tractor trailers losing their brakes on that hill,’ Tavenner said. As a result, about four years ago, tractor trailers were banned from using that route and detoured elsewhere….State officials said in the 10 years since the intersection was reconstructed, there have been four accidents.

“In 2013, to address the concerns of Apple Barrel’s owner that trucks were losing control on the downhill slope, the state restricted the area to vehicles of 18 tons or less, state officials say. Two years later, in January 2015, the weight restriction was lowered to five tons. And by the end of the 2015, trucks were banned altogether….” (Democrat & Chronicle, Albany Bureau (Chad Arnold and Thomas Zambito). “Safety of intersection called into question following deadly limousine crash.” 10-9-2018.)

Oct 9: “A couple says they were in the vehicle involved in the Schoharie crash exactly one year before Saturday’s accident that claimed 20 lives. Andrew LaRose and his wife say their experience with Prestige Limousine was a nightmare from start to finish.

“It’s hard to track down this company and the owners. NewsChannel 13 found multiple addresses associated with different business names all under the same owner. So the first question I asked this couple was how did you find them? They said at the time the company was known as Saratoga Luxury Limousine. A website — which is now down — showed pristine vehicles. However, when the limo pulled up on their wedding day, it was a very different scenario. In a photo from that day — October 6, 2017, you can see Scott Lisinicchia. He’s the man who has been identified as the driver in the Schoharie crash.

“LaRose says Lisinicchia was over an hour late arriving to pick up the wedding party. He says they had made arrangements to have both the excursion limo as well as a regular stretch to carry additional guests, but only the excursion showed up. He said the first impression of the vehicle was that it was old. There was visible rust and duct tape painted white to blend in. He also said the air conditioning was not working and the vehicle made noises when accelerating that caused them to be concerned.

“He said things got worse as the day went on, with Lisinicchia repeatedly leaving them stranded — waiting for 45 minutes after the church service and again late to arrive to shuttle guests back to a nearby hotel.

“In addition to all of that, LaRose says the driving itself was erratic. ‘When he came back to the reception, I noticed there were empty beer cans in the back. I noticed that he had a second passenger sitting shotgun right net to him and I asked him, ‘Who is this?’ and he started getting pretty upset with me and you know one thing led to another and vulgarity was used y him and it was my wedding day, so I took a step back, waited a few days and contacted the manager and he could have cared less,’ explained LaRose.

“He says they complained to management. Emails were exchanged between LaRose and the owners. His sister also got involved. Eventually, the limo company reimbursed them half of what they had paid. However, LaRose says they had been promised a full refund.

“They wanted to share their story in hopes of helping the case against the company because they feel they should never be allowed to operate again….They did post two honest and negative reviews about the company. However, since there have been so many names, different addresses, websites and Facebook pages shut down, it’s hard to track the company reviews.” (WNYT News Channel 13, Albany. “Couple: 2017 wedding with limo company from Schoharie crash was ‘nightmare’.” 10-9-2018.)

Oct 9: “An upstate man said he and his wife rented the same limo and driver involved in a crash that killed 20 people in Schoharie, NY and claims the vehicle “shoulda been in the scrap yard.” Andrew LaRose told Albany’s WNYT-TV that limo was rusty and held together by duct tape when driver Scott Lisinicchia showed up for his wedding one year ago. ‘Air conditioner was broken, there was duct tape that was painted white, rocker panels were painted, it looked like it had been through a chop shop,’ LaRose told the network. The couple also said Lisinicchia was late picking them up from the reception and drove erratically with another passenger in the front. ‘I noticed there were empty beer cans in the back. I noticed that he had a second passenger sitting shotgun right next to him,’ he said. ‘Then I asked him ‘who was this’ and he got pretty upset with me.’

“While driving, Lisinicchia missed an exit and went in reverse right on the highway, La Rose added. He made numerous complaints to the company, he said, and eventually was reimbursed for half the cost….” (New York Post. “Man who rented limo in deadly crash says it should’ve been ‘in the scrap yard.’” 10-9-2018.)

Oct 10: “Two days before a limousine crashed in Schoharie, killing 20 people, Prestige Limo had apparently listed the vehicle for sale on Craigslist. Prestige Limo listed a modified 2001 Ford Excursion limousine for sale for $9,000. The contact number for the advertisement matches the number for several other companies owned by Shahed Hussain, the company’s owner. The listing, which did not have a photo, described the vehicle as being in excellent condition with 180,000 miles and being ‘DOT ready.’ The company owned a single 2001 Ford Excursion, according to inspection records. State records indicate the vehicle had failed multiple inspections, something the company’s attorney has disputed….” (Times Union, Albany. “Prestige Limo tried to sell vehicle days before fatal crash.” 10-10-2018.)

Oct 10: “New details are emerging about the driving record of the man operating the SUV limousine that crashed in Schoharie killing 20 people. The Times Union is reporting the driver, Scott Lisinicchia, was pulled over back in August. According to a police report obtained by the Times Union the 53-year-old was stopped by a New York State Trooper in Saratoga Springs after transporting 11 people in the same limo in the crash. The TU said the report indicates that Nauman Hussain, who operates the limousine company Prestige Limo, was made aware that day back in August that Lisinicchia was not licensed to drive a large passenger vehicle. It said the Trooper told Lisinicchia he could not drive the limo until he got a proper permit. He was also ticketed.

“According to our media partners at The Post-Star, Lisinicchia was ticketed for using a cell phone while driving in Glens Falls in 2015 and never paid the fine from the ticket. The failure to pay the $125 fine could have resulted in his license being suspended. But the Post Star reports that it’s unclear from the records whether not paying it was reported to the State Department of Motor Vehicles or a suspension was sought.

“In Saratoga Springs, police records also show Lisinicchia was issued three traffic tickets between 2010 and 2015. They were for failure to signal a turn, having an obstructed view while driving and failure to wear a seatbelt…” (WNYT 13, Albany NY. “New details emerge about driver of limo in Schoharie crash.” 10-10-2018.)

Oct 10: “Schoharie, N.Y. (News10) – New York State Police said the company that owned the limousine involved in the fatal Schoharie crash had recently failed an inspection and was not road worthy. Two driver vehicle examination reports were sent to NEWS10 ABC by an anonymous, concerned citizen. The reports show that safety warnings were sent to Prestige Limousine twice. The most recent warning was sent one month before the crash. The first report was taken in March 2018 where a 2001 Ford stretch limo matching the year, make and model of the vehicle was cited by the Department of Transportation for several violations, including a hydraulic brake line that was dangling and making contact with an axel. It was also cited for an inoperable emergency exit window and emergency side door. By New York State law, the company had 15 days to fix the problems, but it’s unclear if they did.

“Months later, on September 4 – almost one month before the fatal crash – a second inspection showed problems still existed with the emergency exits as well as the brake system. NEWS10 went to Prestige Limousine’s office on Tuesday, but no one answered. The company’s attorney said the vehicle had passed inspections and their focus was on the driver, Scott Lisinicchia, who did not have the required license to drive the stretch limo….” (News 10 ABC (Anya Tucker), Albany NY. “Investigation continues into limo company involved in Schoharie crash.” 10-9-2018.)

Oct 10: “Federal safety records obtained by NBC News show that the limousine involved in an upstate New York crash that killed 20 had been cited this year for numerous violations, including having ‘brakes out of service.’…. The ‘brakes out of service’ citation, issued after a March 21 inspection, indicated that 20 percent or more of the roughly 5-ton vehicle’s stopping power was compromised. The records also indicate that brake lines were constricted or obstructed. This could apply to lines running to the rear brakes, which have to be extended when a constructor cuts a vehicle and then adds length to convert it into a limousine….

“Following a Sept. 4 inspection for a vehicle with the Excursion’s license plate, “TOGALUX1,” citations included malfunctioning anti-lock braking system warning lights, operating the SUV without making at least some of the corrections mandated by the previous inspection report, operating the limo without proof that it’s had proper inspection, having out-of-compliance state registration or plates, and operating a vehicle in excess of a manufacturer’s designed seating capacity.

“Limo constructor Figueroa[5] said firms that use vehicles as old as the 2001 Excursion are considered to be “third-tier guys” in smaller cities.

“Prestige also had at least one other vehicle with inspection red flags, including brake system concerns and worn tires, federal records show. They indicate 22 violations this year for the company’s 3-vehicle fleet….” (NBC News (Tom Winter and Dennis Romero). “Limousine in deadly New York crash that killed 20 was cited for ‘brakes out of service.’” 10-9-2018.)

Oct 10: “The wife of the limo driver involved in the deadly crash in upstate New York said she feels her husband is being improperly blamed for the tragedy….Kim Lisinicchia told CBS News’ DeMarco Morgan her husband, Scott, had been working part-time for Prestige Limousine for more than a year. According to Kim, Scott was in “excellent health” and an “excellent driver.” “For over 20-plus years, he drove a tractor-trailer….

“According to Kim, he’s complained about Prestige’s vehicles before. “He did complain. There were a few times where he told me, like I overheard him say, ‘I’m not going to drive this, like this, you need to give me another car,'” Kim said….

“The limo company’s attorney said the vehicle was deemed road ready after it failed an inspection in September, but the New York State Department of Transportation told us in a statement that is “categorically false.” “The owner was warned not to operate the vehicle” and “the vehicle was placed out of service.”” (CBS News. “Limo driver’s wife says husband had complained about company’s cars.” 10-10-2018.)

Oct 10: “Colonie – A son of the owner of the limousine that crashed in Schoharie, killing 20 people on Saturday, was taken into custody on Wednesday. State Police said they stopped Nauman Hussain while he drove on Interstate 787. His attorney, Lee Kindlon said State Police were preparing to book his client at Troop G headquarters, and were likely to face multiple counts of criminally negligent homicide, he said.

“On Monday afternoon [Oct 8], Prestige Limo owner Shahed Hussain’s son, Nauman Hussain, who has operated the limo company, met with State Police investigators for several hours. Nauman Hussain was accompanied at the interview by his attorney, Lee Kindlon of Albany. The elder Hussain is out of the country.

“The Wilton-based company owned the 2001 Ford Excursion that crashed in the intersection of routes 30 and 30A shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday….

“The owner of the limo company, Shahed ‘Malik’ Hussain, was a longtime informant for the FBI. He is out of the country but his lawyer says he will return if authorities ask….” (Times Union, Albany. “Son of owner in limo crash taken into custody.” 10-10-2018.)

Oct 10: “Cobleskill….Hussain was released Wednesday night after his arraignment in Cobleskill Town Court after making bail, which had been set at $50,000 cash and $150,000 bond. He pleaded not guilty.

“Hussain knowingly allowed the limo to be driven when it “should not have been on the road,” State Police Superintendent George Beach told reporters earlier in the day. “The sole responsibility for that motor vehicle being on the road on Saturday belongs to Nauman Hussain,” Beach said. He said the 2001 Ford Excursion limousine failed an inspection in September and, as a result, had no business being used when it crashed at the intersection of routes 30 and 30A. Beach said Hussain was also aware the driver that he hired to drive the limousine, Scott T. Lisinicchia, 53, of Lake George was not properly licensed for that assignment.

“Just weeks before the crash, Lisinicchia received a notice of violation for driving without a proper license to drive the same limo. The notice was issued by a trooper who pulled him over in Saratoga Springs after he had dropped off 11 passengers. The trooper’s notice directed that the Excursion be taken out of service immediately. It was served on Nauman Hussain as the operator of the Wilton company….

“Hussain, of Cohoes, was charged with one count of criminally negligent homicide, a felony that carries 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison. He was arraigned in Cobleskill shortly before 7 p.m….

“Three state troopers and three Cobelskill police officers stood on either side of the courtroom. Hussain’s attorney, Lee Kindlon, said the higher than normal number of officers were there because he and Hussain had received repeated threats. The arraignment was moved from Schoharie because the Schoharie town justice was unavailable.

“Schoharie County District Attorney Susan Mallery asked Justice Dawn Fiorillo to set bail at the higher-than-normal amounts for a non-violent felony. Mallery said there were concerns that Hussain might flee and asked the judge to require him to surrender any U.S. or Pakistani passports. Mallery said Hussain was arrested Wednesday morning after he left his home with a car full of belongings.

“Kindlon told reporters that Hussain was not fleeing the area but had left after receiving the threats. Kindlon said in court that Hussain does not have dual citizenship in Pakistan or a Pakistani passport.

“Hussain did not say anything to reporters as he left court. Hussain paid bail through a bail bondsman and is scheduled to appear again in the court on Tuesday, Oct. 23….

“Kindlon [Hussain lawyer] shifted blame to the state Department of Transportation, saying the road where the crash took place was problematic….” (Times Union, Albany NY. “Limo owner’s son released on bail after arraignment on homicide charge.” 10-10-2018.)

Oct 10: “….this is a story of failure — terrible, inexcusable failure that led to unimaginable sorrow. Who failed?

“A company, Prestige Limo, that employed a driver without a proper license. That ignored violations and put a limo that had failed a recent inspection on the road. That appears to have treated its passengers, its precious cargo, without the care and respect they deserved.

“Who failed?

“A state that also didn’t do enough to protect that precious cargo. That didn’t force that unsafe limo off the road or Prestige out of business. That too often gives shoddy transportation companies a slap on the wrist. That has tough regulations without teeth to enforce them. Consider that just last month, the state Department of Transportation cited Prestige for numerous violations on the Excursion SUV and noted violations from a prior inspection that had never been corrected. Despite the limo having been driven 1,300 miles between the inspections, its license plates apparently weren’t confiscated. That’s a failure.

“On Wednesday, police arrested Nauman Hussain, the son of Prestige owner Shahed Hussain, who is out of the country, and charged him with criminally negligent homicide. Police said the son knew the limo belonged parked in a garage. ‘The sole responsibility for that vehicle being on the road on Saturday rests with Nauman Hussain,’ said George Beach, the superintendent of State Police.

“Lee Kindlon, the attorney for the Hussains, said authorities were jumping the gun and hadn’t had the time for an investigation thorough enough to warrant the arrest. He urged investigators and the public to avoid a rush to judgment and to wait before unfairly casting blame. Kindlon isn’t wrong. We don’t yet know exactly how the accident happened at the intersection of routes 30 and 30A, or why the limo was out of control when it slammed into parked car and an embankment, killing the 17 passengers, the driver and two pedestrians.

“Accidents happen. Tragedies happen. Sometimes neither can be prevented.

“But we already know enough to understand that the Schoharie crash wasn’t some random tragedy beyond the limits of human control. We know that the trip should not have happened. The deaths should have been prevented, could have been prevented. If not for failure.

“Kindlon pointed the blame at the dangerous road conditions on Route 30A. The state, he claimed, knew the road and the intersection were deadly and didn’t address the problem. He urged grieving families to consider lawsuits.

“Maybe Kindlon is right about that, too. Maybe the condition of the road will prove to be yet another failure to add to the list. It could even be that this tragedy, the nation’s deadliest road accident since 23 were killed when a bus exploded near Dallas 13 years ago, will prove to be the perfect storm of failure….” (Times Union (Chris Churchill), Albany. “Failure made the Schoharie crash possible.” 10-10-2018.)

Alphabetical Listing of Victims

Cavosie, Rachael K., 30, of Waterford.[6]
Coons, Matthew W., 27, of Johnstown.[7]
Cushing, Patrick (Pat) Kevin, 31, of Amsterdam and Albany.[8] (boyfriend of Amanda Halse).[9]
Bursese, Savannah D., 24, of Johnstown.[10] Have also seen Savannah DeVonne.[11]
Dyson, Mary E., 33, of Watertown[12] (sister of Abby Jackson, Allison King, and Amy Steenburg).
Dyson, Robert J., 34, of Watertown.[13]
Halse, Amanda, 26[14] (girlfriend of Pat Cushing).[15]
Hough, Brian, 46, of Moravia,[16] Asst. Prof. of Geology, SUNY Oswego (in parking lot).[17]
Jackson, Abigail (Abby) J., 34 of Amsterdam (sister of Mary Dyson, Allison King, Amy Steenburg).[18]
Jackson, Adam G., 34[19] (husband of Abby Jackson).[20]
King, Allison, 31, of Ballston Spa[21] (sister of Mary Dyson, Abby Jackson, and Amy Steenburg).
Lisinicchia, Scott T., 53, of Lake George (driver of limo).[22]
McGowan, Erin R. (Vertucci), 34[23] (wife of Shane McGowan; married June 2018).[24]
McGowan, Shane, 30, of Amsterdam (husband of Erin R. Vertucci).[25]
Riverburg, Amanda, 29, of Albany.[26] (Also noted as being from Colonie.)[27]
Schnurr, James, 70, of Kerhonkson[28] (father-in-law of Dr. Hough), in parking lot.[29]
Steenburg, Amy L., 29, Amsterdam[30] (sister of Mary Dyson, Abby Jackson, & Allison King).[31]
Steenburg, Axel, 29, of Amsterdam (husband of Amy).[32]
Steenburg, Richard (Rich), 34, of Johnstown[33] (brother of Axel Steenburg).
Ukaj, Michael C., 34, of Johnstown.[34]

Sources

ABC 6 Action News, Philadelphia. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie, NY accident.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-8-2018 at: https://6abc.com/limo-crash-victims-remembering-those-killed-in-schoharie-ny/4440836/

CBS News. “Limo driver’s wife says husband had complained about company’s cars.” 10-10-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/limo-crash-schoharie-new-york-driver-scott-lisinicchia-wife-says-husband-worried-about-prestige-cars/

CBS/AP. “Limo in New York crash ‘not supposed to be on the road,’ governor says.” 10-8-2018.

Accessed 10-8-2018 at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/limo-crash-schoharie-ny-ford-excursion-limousine-fatal-accident-failed-inspection-2018-10-08/

CNN (Holly Yan, Mark Morales and Polo Sandoval). “The limo that crashed and killed 20 people failed inspection. And the driver wasn’t properly licensed.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-8-2018 at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/08/us/new-york-limo-crash/index.html

Democrat & Chronicle, Albany Bureau (Chad Arnold and Thomas Zambito). “Safety of intersection called into question following deadly limousine crash.” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2018/10/09/intersection-where-limo-crash-too-dangerous/1569062002/

Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Claire Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash, Driver Lacked Proper License.” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-9-2018 at: http://gothamist.com/2018/10/09/upstate_limo_crash_ny.php#photo-1

NBC News (Tom Winter and Dennis Romero). “Limousine in deadly New York crash that killed 20 was cited for ‘brakes out of service.’” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/limousine-deadly-new-york-crash-killed-20-was-cited-brakes-n918341

New York Post, Bruce Golding. “Driver in deadly limo crash reportedly had prior drug busts.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://nypost.com/2018/10/08/driver-in-deadly-limo-crash-reportedly-had-prior-drug-busts/

New York Post, Bruce Golding. “Limo in fatal crash reportedly listed for sale on Craigslist days before deadly wreck.” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://nypost.com/2018/10/09/limo-in-fatal-crash-reportedly-listed-for-sale-on-craigslist-days-before-deadly-wreck/

New York Post (Joe Tacopino). “Man who rented limo in deadly crash says it should’ve been ‘in the scrap yard.’” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://nypost.com/2018/10/09/man-who-rented-limo-in-deadly-crash-says-it-shouldve-been-in-the-scrap-yard/

New York Post, Julia Marsh. “Two more victims in deadly limo crash identified.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-8-2018 at: https://nypost.com/2018/10/08/two-more-victims-in-deadly-limo-crash-identified/

New York Times. “20 Dead in Limousine Crash in Upstate New York.” 10-7-2018. Accessed 10-7-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/07/nyregion/wedding-limo-crash-schoharie-ny.html

New York Times, “Limo Crash Kills 20 in Upstate New York; Nation’s Deadliest Accident in 9 Years.” 10-7-2018. Accessed 10-7-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/07/nyregion/wedding-limo-crash-schoharie-ny.html

New York Times (Jim Dwyer). “The Hidden Dangers of Riding in a Stretch Limousine.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/08/nyregion/stretch-limo-dangers-safety.html?module=inline

News 10 ABC (Anya Tucker), Albany NY. “Investigation continues into limo company involved in Schoharie crash.” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.news10.com/news/local-news/investigation-continues-into-limo-company-involved-in-schoharie-crash/1510589363

News 10 ABC (Samantha DiMascio), Albany NY. “NYSP, NTSB release updates on fatal Schoharie limo crash.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://www.news10.com/news/local-news/nysp-ntsb-release-updates-on-fatal-schoharie-limo-crash/1508766593

Obittree.com. “Obituary for Patrick Kevin Cushing.” Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://obittree.com/obituary/us/new-york/amsterdam/riley-mortuary-inc/patrick-cushing/3626680/

The Saratogian. “Police + Courts: Nov. 21, 2013.” 11-23-2013. Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://www.saratogian.com/news/police-courts-nov/article_0eb082e7-e0a7-523c-937c-c2ae407bc38f.html

Times Union (Chris Churchill and Larry Rulison), Albany, NY. “As a community mourns, limo owner’s story emerges.” 10-14-2018. Accessed 10-15-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/As-a-community-mourns-limo-owner-s-story-emerges-13305191.php

Times Union (Mike Goodwin), Albany NY. “20 killed in Schoharie limousine crash.” 10-7-2018. Accessed 10-7-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/20-killed-in-Schoharie-limousine-crash-13288015.php

Times Union (Chris Churchill), Albany, NY. “Failure made the Schoharie crash possible.” 10-10-2018. Accessed 10-11-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Churchill-Failure-made-the-Schoharie-crash-13297680.php

Times Union (Robert Gavin and Steve Hughes), Albany NY. “Limo owner’s son released on bail after arraignment on homicide charge.” 10-10-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Breaking-Son-of-owner-in-limo-crash-taken-into-13296054.php

Times Union (Mallory Moench and Emily Masters). Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-9-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Schoharie-Limo-Crash-Victims-What-We-Know-13290063.php

Times Union (Steve Hughes), Albany NY. “Prestige Limo tried to sell vehicle days before fatal crash.” 10-10-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Prestige-Limo-tried-to-sell-vehicle-involved-in-13293364.php#photo-16303586

Times Union (Mallory Moench), Albany, NY. “Schoharie limo victims: What we know.” 10-8-2018. Accessed 10-8-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Schoharie-Limo-Crash-Victims-What-We-Know-13290063.php#photo-16295985

Times Union (Robert Gavin), Albany NY. “Son of owner in limo crash taken into custody.” 10-10-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Breaking-Son-of-owner-in-limo-crash-taken-into-13296054.php

WNYT News Channel 13, Albany NY. “Couple: 2017 wedding with limo company from Schoharie crash was ‘nightmare’.” 10-9-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://wnyt.com/news/couple-remembers-wedding-with-company-involved-in-schoharie-crash/5102006/

WNYT News Channel 13, Albany NY. “New details emerge about driver of limo in Schoharie crash.” 10-10-2018. Accessed 10-10-2018 at: https://wnyt.com/news/new-details-emerge-about-driver-of-limo-in-schoharie-crash/5102306/

[1] Cuomo cited as stating that “The driver needed what what’s called a CDL, a commercial driver license with a passenger endorsement. The driver did not have that proper license.” (CNN {Holly Yan} “The limo that crashed and killed 20 people failed inspection. And the driver wasn’t properly licensed.” 10-8-2018.)

[2] According to Gothamist, Oct 9, The limo was “Traveling nearly 60 mph…” (Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Claire Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash, Driver Lacked Proper License.” 10-9-2018.)

[3] Peter Goelz, former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Board.

[4] “…the friends had booked a party bus, but when it broke down en route to picking them up, the company–Prestige Limousine–sent a reportedly dilapidated limousine in its place.” (Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Claire Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash, Driver Lacked Proper License.” 10-9-2018.)

[5] Frank Figueroa, president of Pinnacle Limousine Manufacturing of City of Industry, CA, which did not work on the Prestige limo involved in the crash.

[6] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[7] Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash…” 10-9-2018.

[8] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Times Union notes he was from Halfmoon. An obituary using his whole name notes he was born and grew up in Amsterdam and “was employed with the New York State Senate in Albany, NY, at the time of his death.” (Obittree.com. “Obituary for Patrick Kevin Cushing.” Accessed 10-9-2018.)

[9] Worker for state Senate’s Technology Services unit; from Amsterdam, NY. (ABC 6 Action News, Philadelphia. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie, NY accident.” 10-8-2018.) Another source writes he lived with Amanda Halse in Troy. (Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims…” 10-9-2018.)

[10] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[11] Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash…” 10-9-2018.

[12] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[13] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Survived by son, 3-years-old.

[14] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[15] Waitress at Shaker Point in Watervliet, Albany County. (ABC 6 Action News, Philadelphia. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie, NY accident.” 10-8-2018.)

[16] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Notes that he and his father-in-law, James Schnurr, were in Schoharie for a wedding on Saturday.

[17] Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash…” 10-9-2018.

[18] A teacher with Amsterdam School District. Mother of daughters, 4, and 16-months. (ABC 6 Action News. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie…” 10-8-2018.)

[19] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[20] Was a Deputy Commissioner at Montgomery County Board of Elections. Father of daughters, 4, and 16-months. (ABC 6 Action News. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie…” 10-8-2018.)

[21] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[22] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Survived by his wife.

[23] Of Amsterdam. Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[24] Administrative assistant, St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam. (ABC 6 News. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie…” 10-8-2018.)

[25] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[26] New York Post (Julia Marsh). “Two more victims in deadly limo crash identified.” 10-8-2018. Worked at Albany-based Living Resources, an organization that offers programs and services to people with disabilities. (ABC 6 Action News. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie…” 10-8-2018.)

[27] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[28] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018.

[29] Gothamist, NY Public Radio (Lampen). “Limo Failed Inspection Before Horrific Crash…” 10-9-2018.

[30] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Notes Amy and Axel were married in June 2018.

[31] Was celebrating her 30^th birthday. Was a nurse in Amsterdam where she and her husband, whom she married June 2018, lived. (ABC 6 Action News. “Limo Crash Victims: Remembering those killed in Schoharie…” 10-8-2018.)

[32] Times Union, Albany, NY (Moench and Masters). “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Worked at GlobalFoundries, as did his brother, Rich.

[33] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Worked at GlobalFoundries.

[34] Times Union, Albany, NY. “Limousine crash victims: Who they were.” 10-9-2018. Notes the Marine Corps veteran who served a tour in Iraq, “died on his 34^th birthday.”