Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today released the following statement after it was revealed that the NTSB has not yet been given access to the stretch limousine involved in the fatal Schoharie crash this October:
“We have said a number of times that the criminal and safety investigations can and should parallel each other, but the NTSB must gain full access to the limo. We understand the immense significance this criminal case holds, which is why it’s imperative it continues in a thorough and meticulous manner. However, it is vital that the safety investigation also proceed as immediately and efficiently as possible so NTSB and other agencies can develop and implement safety recommendations to help save lives and prevent future tragedies like this from occurring again. The NTSB is independent and professional, and they need access to the vehicle to move forward with their critical work. We believe that the law enforcement officials and safety professionals can and must get on the same page so that both can have access to the vehicle,” said Senators Schumer and Gillibrand.