Duck boat in deadly crash did not have a recommended safety fix

All “Ride the Ducks” vehicles will be kept off the streets until they are deemed “road-worthy and safe”, said Brian Tracey, owner of Ride the Ducks of Seattle.

Investigator said Saturday that the left front axle of the duck boat was sheared off, but they hadn’t determined if that damage happened before the collision or during it. Once the war was over, they became used by civilian law enforcement agencies and also converted to sightseeing vehicles in USA cities.

“So far, our investigators are satisfied with the maintenance records” of the duck tours vehicle, Maxwell said.

The crash sent all 37 people on the duck boat into the river, but 16-year-old Dora Schwendtner and 20-year-old Szabolcs Prem never resurfaced. It wasn’t clear what prompted the warning or how the potential failure was discovered, or whether it applied to all duck boats or only those that the company had refurbished, he said.

Brown said her operation hasn’t changed any procedures, but the owners and safety team would evaluate the situation after the federal investigation is complete.

An emergency worker walks in front of a charter bus that was involved in a fatal crash with a “Ride the Ducks” amphibious tour bus, Thursday, September 24, 2015, in Seattle.

North Seattle College says the four people killed in a crash were worldwide students on their way to new student orientation events.

The amphibious vehicle tours are offered around the world, including in Philadelphia; Austin, Texas; Miami; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and London. At least 13 people remained hospitalized.

All Ride the Ducks’ vehicles have been suspended from operating until the outcome of the investigation is announced.

In November 1998, a commuter bus plunged off the busy bridge after its driver was shot and thrown from the vehicle, then Seattle police spokeswoman Christie-Lynne Bonner said. “The UTC will meet Monday to address its authority to suspend company operations pending completion of those inspections and review”, said Governor Inslee.

The amphibious vehicle in the Seattle crash reportedly met federal standards during annual checks by a certified inspector.

Investigators say it will likely take a year to determine the cause of the crash.