HONOLULU (April 16, 2024) – One person was killed and many others were injured when a bus crashed into two concrete barriers and pinned pedestrians against a wall at a cruise ship terminal in Honolulu.
The 57-year-old bus driver was dropping off customers off at the cruise terminal in Honolulu Friday morning when the crash occurred, according to authorities.
WGN9 stated the driver, who has not been identified, allegedly stepped out of the vehicle without realizing the shuttle was still moving. A bystander reportedly alerted him of what was happening and he quickly jumped into the driver’s seat to attempt to stop the vehicle.
However, instead of pressing on the brake, the man appeared to step on the gas pedal, causing the shuttle to crash.
“Somebody screamed, and then I looked over and the bus hit into the crowd. It just kept going until it hit the wall there,” at witness told CNN affiliate KHNL/KGMB.
The bus struck concrete barriers and 11 people, five of whom were transported to hospitals for treatment, according to police. One person died from their injuries, a 68-year-old woman that has since been identified as Dianna Cricelli, of Pocahontas, Illinois. The others were listed in good condition and have since been discharged, police said. Six people refused treatment, according to CNN.
Carnival Cruise Line said nine guests from the Carnival Miracle ship were among those involved in the crash, including the woman who died. The Illinois woman was celebrating her wedding anniversary with a family cruise. Her husband was injured but is expected to recover.
Police said investigations are ongoing, but so far speed does not appear to be an issue in the accident. It is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were contributing factors to this collision.
