May 08, 2015
A woman killed on Friday afternoon after being struck by a Ride the Ducks vehicle has been identified by police as Elizabeth Karnicki, 68, of Beaumont, Texas, NBC 10 reports.
The accident occurred at 11th and Arch Streets in Chinatown around 5:20 p.m. Passengers were forced to remain aboard the vehicle for approximately an hour after police covered the victim's body with a tarp.
An initial investigation by police indicates that Karnicki and her husband were walking against a traffic light when the accident occurred. Witnesses say that the woman appeared to be using a mobile device. The driver of the vehicle is said to be a 72-year-old man. No charges have been filed.
According to Newsworks, police said the victim died of severe head trauma and massive bodily injuries. As part of their investigation, police will interview all 28 passengers on the duck boat, the driver, a tour guide, and passengers aboard another tourist bus. Police also plan to view security footage from the Wawa and Hilton Garden Inn located at the intersection.
"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," the company said in a statement.
In 2010, Ride the Ducks came under intense scrutiny after a boat that stalled in the Delaware River was struck by a barge, resulting in the death of two Hungarian students. The organization was ordered by a jury to pay $15 million to the families of those victims in 2012.
Reuters contributed to this story.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
