That limousine crash in New York City where 20 people lost their lives over the weekend is causing problems for an East Bay company.

The company shares the same name as the one involved in the fatal crash.

But the East Bay owner wants to set the record straight and let everyone know they have nothing to do with the one involved in the accident.

“This is our only company that’s right here. That’s what we are.” Prestige Limousine Rebecca Satti said. “We are not affiliated with any Prestige Limousine in the entire U.S.”

Satti says her heart goes out to the families involved that horrific crash in New York where 18 people died in the vehicle and two others hit when the limo crashed Saturday.

She says sadly, since the crash, her phones are silent, which is suspicious since this is the busy time of year for trips to the wine country during the harvest.

The problem she believes is that people think her company is affiliated with the one in New York because they share the same name. 

“It’s been a popular name, and a lot of companies have Prestige Limousine name throughout the U.S.,” Satti said.

And on Monday night, someone threw pumpkins vandalizing some of the limos.

They have since been cleaned up, but Satti says it is concerning.  

“We do everything in our power to comply with all the rules and regulations of the government, and safety is our highest priority in this company,” Satti said.

While the investigation into the crash in New York is underway, Satti talked with KRON4 about how California recently toughened up laws regulating limousines following the tragic death involving a bachelorette party.

The limo erupted in flames on the San Mateo Bridge. Five women died then.

Now, Satti explains all limos must have two fire extinguishers–one in front and one in the back.

There are also no child locks. And there must be an escape hatch in the back and the CHP must inspect every vehicle every year. 

Satti says she hopes people will understand her company, which has been around for 23 years, has nothing to do with the one in New York.

And when that happens, she hopes the phone will start ringing again soon.

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