A minivan carrying 14 members of a small Bronx church blew out a rear tire on the New York State Thruway and crashed. The church bishop, his wife, and four others were killed.
The parishioners were headed to a church banquet in Schenectady when the van’s left rear tire blew out, according to a New York Accident Lawyer. The 1997 Ford van rolled several times, throwing some of the passengers out of the vehicle.
“It was a pretty significant event in my professional career to have seen something like that,” a major of the New York State Police told a New York Accident Lawyer. He and other officers were shaken by the scene of the aftermath. “It was a tragic scene to witness, and our prayers go out to the families.”
Six people were declared dead on the scene, including the bishop and his wife. There were eight injured passengers. Three of them were airlifted to Westchester County Medical Center in Valhalla. Four others were taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern,a nd the driver was taken by helicopter to St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie.
Several of the parishioners at the chapel collapsed into tears when they heard of the tragedy. “It’s so overwhelming,” a seven-year member of the church told a New York Injury Lawyer. “You can’t really find words to express the loss and the void that we’re feeling.”
“I could have lost my wife out there – just like that,” said the husband of one of the survivors. “Thank God she’s okay.” He added, “It’s a small church, and everyone keeps together. It’s just so tragic what’s happened. It’s not something you plan for.”
No one can know when an accident is going to occur, disrupting the lives of everyone involved. No matter when it happens, a New York Accident Attorney is ready to assist you. You don’t have to face the legal ramification of an accident on your own, when you have a knowledgeable New York Accident Attorney at your side.
Stephen Bilkis & Associates with its New York Car Accident Lawyers has convenient locations throughout the NY area including Windsor Terrace, NY. Our attorneys can give you advice about personal injury caused by another’s negligence. Without a NY Car Accident Lawyer you will not be cognizant of all your rights and could be at a great disadvantage.