Six people were killed on Saturday, September 18, on the New York Thruway when the van they were riding in blew a tire and flipped over. There were eight survivors. All of the people in the 15-person passenger Econoline van belonged to the same church and were traveling to a church event.

According to investigators, the van's right rear tire blew causing the vehicle to go into a rumble strip. It then rolled over when it hit the grassy median. Some of the passengers were apparently ejected. All the dead were killed at the scene. Four survivors were airlifted and others were taken by ambulance.

Experts have been warning that extended passenger vans pose a risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says these vans have the highest rollover rate of any vehicle on the road. They have made several public awareness statements regarding this fact.

The main thing that people should do is buckle up when riding in these vehicles. Also, be aware that tire maintenance is extremely important as is driver experience. Driving an extended passenger van is not like driving a vehicle, but many churches, hotels, airport shuttle services, athletic teams, farm workers, day laborers, the military, and more use them without giving this much thought. Sadly, the NHTSA says Saturday's New York vehicle accident was a text book case.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an auto accident, please contact the Accident Lawyers Network to find an experienced personal injury attorney in your area today.