Four people were killed and 9 others severely hurt after a charter bus and a Ride the Ducks tour boat crashed on the Aurora Bridge in Seattle around 11:15 a.m. today.
Investigators are still looking into the cause of the crash, but several on-scene witnesses have reported what they saw. One witness reported that the amphibious vehicle hit the bus, ripping one side off. Two SUVs swerved, trying to avoid the crashed vehicles and became involved in the crash.
Another witness reported that the Duck Boat had its left turn blinker on and then turned more sharply than expected, possibly because of a blowout. That witness reported that the Duck Boat hit a car before colliding with the bus.
Around 50 people have been evaluated for injuries following the crash.
The bridge has been closed to traffic. Detour routes are listed below.
The Duck Boat design was originally created for military use, but it has become popular among tourists in recent years.
The bus is owned by Bellair charters and airport shuttles.
“The scene was pretty gruesome …. There were people in shock.” http://t.co/hfJgd5jzO5 pic.twitter.com/FTgTCoVERU
— The Seattle Times (@seattletimes) September 24, 2015
Aurora Bridge closed for collision. Use Ballard Br, Fremont Br, University Br, and I-5 as alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/IBfqbkxs9u — seattledot (@seattledot) September 24, 2015
Sources:
Fox News
Seattle Times
KCTV 5
KARE 11