Woman Killed, Boyfriend Hurt After Boston Duck Boat Crashes Into Scooter

BOSTON (CBS) – A woman was killed and her boyfriend injured Saturday after a duck boat hit their scooter in Boston.

Police say the duck boat and the scooter were traveling on Charles Street just before noon, when the duck boat hit the unidentified 28-year-old woman while both were making a right turn onto Beacon Street.

"It was absolutely horrific," says witness Mehdi Rahmani, who heard a loud crash and saw the terrifying aftermath.

"The operator of the moped...she went under the vehicle and she ended up behind the vehicle," he said.

Boston police said the woman was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital in critical condition and died a short time later.

A friend of the woman told WBZ-TV's Anna Meiler that she lived in Boston and worked in insurance. She also had two sisters.

"Her friends loved her," Ethan Crain told WBZ. "I just feel so bad for her family and her loved friends."

Crain, who left flowers at the crash scene, says she had "a smile that would take up the whole room and people will remember her smile for a long time."

Investigators say the woman's boyfriend is scraped up but expected to be OK.

Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said there nearly 30 people riding on the duck boat at the time of the accident. He added that the driver and passenger of the scooter were wearing helmets.

In a statement released Saturday night, Boston Duck Tours said, "The thoughts and prayers of the Boston Duck Tours cast and crew are with the victim's family following today's tragic accident."

"After a thorough investigation at the scene by the Boston Police, we have been informed that it may take weeks or months to receive conclusive information," reads the statement. "Safety is of the utmost importance to our company, and we will continue to provide our cooperation to the authorities."

WBZ-TV's Anna Meiler contributed to this report.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karyn Regal reports