Female Pedestrian Fatally Struck By Duck Boat In Center City
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Police say a female pedestrian died after she was struck by a Duck Boat that was filled with passengers in Center City Friday.
The incident happened at about 5:20 p.m. at 11th and Arch Streets.
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According to investigators, a 68-year-old female pedestrian crossed the street against the light when she was struck by a Ride The Ducks trolley that had 28 passengers on board.
The unidentified female was initially pinned underneath the Duck Boat.
"The 68-year-old female was trapped underneath the vehicle. Medics pronounced her dead at 5:27 p.m. She has severe head trauma and also massive injuries to her body," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.
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"It was chaos, I mean it was a horrible incident, terrible," said tourist Nancy Gregg.
"It's just horrible, my heart's breaking for this woman. I pray for her and hope console her family as best we can," said tourist Greg Soletti.
Police say the woman and her husband were tourists from Texas on their way back to their hotel where they were staying for Mother's Day weekend.
The victim's identity was not immediately known.
The deadly incident remains under investigation.
Chief Inspector Small says investigators will check surveillance video from the area to determine exactly what happened.
Ride The Ducks Philadelphia released the following statement Friday night:
"The thoughts and prayers of the entire Ride The Ducks organization are with the family and friends of the pedestrian involved in an accident that occurred this afternoon. We will provide counseling for those affected by the accident and offer support wherever possible. We will continue to work with officials and provide any assistance we can. As more information becomes available, we will release it."
The amphibious duck boats can operate on land and in the water and are a popular way for tourists to see attractions in downtown Philadelphia.
In July 2010, a tug boat pilot talking on a cell phone steered a barge into a Duck Boat on the Delaware River, killing two Hungarian tourists.
