Hawaii cruise shuttle driver presses gas not brake killing 1 pedestrian, injuring others
One woman died, and eleven others were injured in a bus accident while on holiday in Honolulu, Hawaii, according to local police.
According to local media reports, the woman is from Illinois but has not been identified. Four others who were injured are also from Illinois.
The accident happened on Friday around 10:20 a.m. when a 57-year-old shuttle bus driver was dropping off customers at the Pier 2 cruise terminal, 521 Ala Moana Boulevard.
While off the bus, he was alerted that it was moving forward. He hopped in the driver seat to stop it but hit the gas pedal instead of the brake, pinning several people against two concrete barriers.
Three pedestrians were transported to Queens Medical Center for treatment, police said. One of those victims was a 68-year-old woman who died at the hospital. The two others were listed in good condition.
Two others were transported from the scene to the Tripler Hospital in good condition. Six others, aged between 40 and 70, refused treatment.
"At this time, speed does not appear to be a contributing factor to this collision," Honolulu police said in a statement. "It is unknown if drugs or alcohol were contributing factors to this collision."
One woman was there on a cruise when she witnessed the crash and rushed to help.
"It definitely puts a damper on my vacation," said Janet Lightfoot. "I deal with this every day, and I work in the emergency room. This is just different. I'm on vacation. I seen the incident happen. The husband of one of the family members was there. Just sad, sad that this happened."
Police say drugs and alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the incident.
The investigation is ongoing.
According to Hawaii News Now, the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii said the woman who died and the four others who were injured are from Illinois and that they are being offered assistance.
