Limo crash victims included family, friends going to birthday party at brewery

Nearly 20 people killed in a limousine crash in upstate New York over the weekend were celebrating a birthday for one of the victims, The Albany Times Union reported.

The news outlet reported that four of the victims were sisters. Two brothers also died in the crash, as did two other relatives of the sisters.

A spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board told reporters on Sunday that the crash in Schoharie, N.Y., was the deadliest transportation accident since February 2009.

{mosads}New York State Police said the limo failed to stop at an intersection and slammed into a parked car, as well as two pedestrians. Both pedestrians and all 18 people in the limousine were killed, including the driver.

Authorities provided few additional details on the crash during a Sunday news conference, and have yet to officially disclose the identities of the victims or a cause.

The New York Times reported that the group was headed to a brewery in Cooperstown, N.Y., citing a relative of one of the victims.

Onlookers and neighbors told the Times Union that the site of the fatal crash has been a problematic intersection for years.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) said Sunday that he directed state authorities to provide “every resource necessary to aid in the investigation” of the incident. Other state and local lawmakers expressed their condolences as well.

My heart breaks for the 20 people who lost their lives in the horrific accident on Saturday in Schoharie. I have directed State agencies to provide every resource necessary to aid in the investigation, and I join all New Yorkers in mourning during this extremely difficult time.

— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) October 7, 2018

This is absolutely heartbreaking. Mary Frances and I are praying for the family and friends of those whose lives have been shattered by this horrific accident. May they find peace and comfort during this unimaginably painful time. https://t.co/ub7upCwuv4

— John Faso (@JohnFasoNy) October 7, 2018

I am heartbroken to hear about the tragic loss of life in Schoharie this weekend. Praying for all of the victims and their families.

— Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) October 7, 2018

The devastating accident in Schoharie yesterday is being felt in communities throughout the Capital Region and the entire state of New York. Prayers for the victims, their families and loved ones, as well as all the first responders on scene.

— George Amedore (@GeorgeAmedore) October 7, 2018