(Newswire.net — September 25, 2015) — Seattle, WA – Four people have been killed and 12 people are in critical condition after a “Ride the Ducks” tour vehicle collided with a bus on the Aurora Avenue Bridge in Seattle, CNN reported.
According to the report, all four people killed in accident were international students at North Seattle College. More than 40 patients were transferred to Harborview Medical Center and other hospitals, 12 of them are in critical condition, the Seattle Fire Department said in a statement.
The Firefighters on the scene removed all passengers from the vehicles, the Fire Department stated on Twitter.
Two passenger vehicles were also involved in the incident and the bridge has been shut down for an investigation. It is yet unknown what caused the crash. Forensic investigators are still on the scene collecting evidence.
All casualties were from the charter bus that was transporting the international students, AP reported, adding that officials contacted the various consulates of the affected victims.
No information has been shared yet regarding the “duck boat,” an amphibian vehicle with glass bottom that can operate as a boat and an on-road bus.
The Duck-boat is specific Seattle tourist attraction vehicle known not only by its amphibian features but also by loud music and megaphone quacking of the tour guides.
“It was devastating,” said Ride the Ducks President Brian Tracey. “All I care about is the safety of the passengers and the people who were injured on the duck.”
According to one witness, 23-year-old Brad Volm of Philadelphia, the Duck-boat “swerved” and crashed into the charter bus. Volm told the Seattle Times that red fluid was leaking from the duck boat’s front left tire.
“Seattle had a terrible tragedy today. There has been loss of life and dozens of injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, those injured and their loved ones,” said Mayor Ed Murray in a statement.