Published 21:49 IST, October 5th 2019
A year after car crash that killed 20, memorial is unveiled
A remembrance to the 20 individuals who were killed when a stretch limousine blew through a crossing point at the base of a long slope opened in New York in US
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A remembrance to the 20 individuals who were killed when a stretch limousine blew through a crossing point at the base of a long slope and barreled into an earthen embankment a year back is being uncovered at the accident site in upstate New York. The memorial highlighting 20 stones in a semicircle is to be seen secretly by relatives and other family members on Saturday morning. The rest of the public is allowed on Sunday. The memorial is dedicated to the victims of the accident.
The accident
Each stone highlights a plaque bearing the name of an individual who died in the Oct. 6, 2018, crash which happened near a country store in Schoharie, New York. There were 17 passengers, which included four sisters who had gone out on a Birthday outing when the accident happened. According to reports two pedestrians and the driver was also killed. President of Reflections Memorial Foundation Jessica Kirby told international media that the victims of the accidents should always live in our memories. She was at that time working in her family’s country store and was the first one to call 911.
Shoe prints on the memorial stones
There is a different pattern of a shoe print on each stone which symbolizes the enduring impressions of the people who died in the accident. There is also a stone that will be dedicated to emergency responders. Kirby in her statement said that, that the memorial will make people value the most important things in their lives, their family and friends. The non-profit organization has been able to collect more than $50,000 and is looking forward to raising $250,000, in order to keep up with the maintenance of the memorial.
The memorial
The memorial has been made near the accident site where the crash happened. That brief dedication was given to the New York State Museum. The National Transportation Safety Board prescribed stricter limousine security norms Wednesday, and Sen. Hurl Schumer and congressional agents said Thursday that they would shut all the loopholes with regards to limousine safety standards. On the other hand, the operator of the limousine is scheduled for the next trial and pleaded not guilty.
With inputs from AP
21:27 IST, October 5th 2019