The limousine company that provided the SUV stretch limo involved in a deadly crash this weekend had put up the vehicle for sale on Craigslist just two days before it crashed in Schoharie, New York, killing a total of 20 people.
The Times Union of Albany first reported that Prestige Limo had posted a “for sale” listing on Craigslist for a 2001 Ford Excursion Limousine on Thursday, asking for $9,000.
The listing did not include a photo, though the contact number provided is reportedly the same as several businesses owned by Shahed Hussain, Prestige’s proprietor. The Times Union also confirmed that Prestige owns only one Ford Excursion.
As stated in earlier reports, the company has a record of safety violations, and the vehicle involved in the crash failed an inspection just a month before the tragedy. An attorney for Prestige Limo told CBS News that the infractions were minor and not a factor in the fatal crash.
“Those safety issues had been addressed and corrected,” attorney Lee Kindlon told the news station.
“Not all infractions are major. A lot of these things are minor and were fixed.”
ABC 6 News reports that the wife of Scott Lisinicchia, the car’s driver who was killed along with all 17 of his passengers, has retained the services of a law firm, suggesting that she may be planning to take legal action.
The family released a statement on Tuesday, obtained by ABC 6:
The Lisinicchia family is devastated by the horrific tragedy that occurred in Schoharie and their prayers go out to all the families that lost loved ones. They are mourning their husband, father and brother, and they are also grieving for the other innocent souls who lost their lives. Mrs. Lisinicchia’s husband Scott was a loving and caring man who never would have knowingly put others in harm’s way. The family believes that unbeknownst to him he was provided with a vehicle that was neither roadworthy nor safe for any of its occupants. We ask all members of the media and public to reserve judgement on the cause of the crash until the New York State Police and the National Transportation Safety Board complete their investigations. Both agencies include some of the most highly skilled and well-trained accident investigators in the country. We also ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this most difficult time.
In conversations with reporters at the Columbus Day Parade in New York City on Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo indicated the company could be facing legal consequences.
[Feature image: AP Photo/Hans Pennink]
