Newlyweds among 20 dead in crash
A NEWLY WED couple were among 20 wedding guests killed in a limousine crash in New York.
Family members have identified Erin and Shane McGowan, who only tied the knot in June, as two of the victims.
Lester Andrews, 60, from Rochester, New York, confirmed his two stepsons and a daughter-in-law were among the dead.
The accident happened in the rural area of Schoharie County on Saturday.
Witnesses claimed the SUV-style stretch limousine carrying the wedding guests had sped down a hill, went through a crossroads, hit a car and pedestrians, then landed in a ditch outside the Apple Barrel cafe.
An official said that 18 of the dead were in the limousine and two were pedestrians. It is understood that among the victims were tourists who had gone apple picking for the day.
Residents said they heard a loud bang then saw people running from the cafe to help. Bodies were reportedly seen on the ground. Witness Bridey Finnagan said emergency crews broke the cars’ windows to rescue the injured.
She added: “I saw a lot of people at the Apple Barrel out in the parking lot.
“Then I heard screaming. I saw this large van in the bushes and wrecked.”
State Police Captain Richard O’Brien said: “This is a two-vehicle, multi-fatality investigation.”
The National Transportation Safety Board, which usually investigates major accidents involving planes and trains, also sent a team.
The Apple Barrel cafe, which closed after the crash, said: “As you may be aware, there was a horrific accident in front of our business.
“We want to thank the emergency services that responded. They are the heroes of our small community.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the events.”