A church van from Queens crashed on New York State Thruway, 4 passengers in critical condition

Friday, August 26, 2022

4 in critical condition after church van crashes on highway

The van was full of members from the Church of God of Prophecy in Ozone Park, in Queens. They were traveling back home after a trip to Niagra Falls

ATHENS, New York (WABC) -- A church van overturned on the New York State Thruway on Wednesday evening, leaving several passengers in critical condition.

The van was full of members from the Church of God of Prophecy in Ozone Park, Queens.

The group was on their way home to New York City after a trip to Niagara Falls when the driver swerved to avoid another car, overcorrected, and crashed, according to state police.

The van was just outside of Athens, New York, when the crash happened.

Four passengers were taken to Albany Medical Center for serious, life-threatening injuries.

Nine other passengers were taken to area hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver was uninjured.

The church released a statement after the crash and said they are still connecting with the families of the victims:

"We thank God that all involved are in a place to receive the appropriate care needed and expect full recoveries across the board. We do ask everyone to keep our church members, their families, and our church at large in your prayers, as well as respect the privacy of our church as we navigate this unfortunate situation."

State police say no criminal charges are pending and no tickets were issued at this time.

ALSO READ | Car slams into condo building on Long Island