DUKW Crash Fatalities

[mkcoen]

Two reported fatalities.
http://mynorthwest.com/11/2815665/Bus-versus-Duck-crash-blocks-all-lanes-on-Seattles-Aurora-Bridge

 

[mkcoen]

From the picture it looks like both were traveling the same direction and one (appears to have been the bus) tried changing lanes into the other.

 

[jpg]

From the picture it looks like both were traveling the same direction and one (appears to have been the bus) tried changing lanes into the other.

Though the exact cause of the crash is not known, Kerns overheard one tourist say that a tire on the Duck blew, causing the vehicle to crash into the side of the bus.

 

[mkcoen]

Prayers for all involved. Last report I heard was that it's moved up to 4 fatalities (all on the bus). My fear is that it was a mechanical issue on the DUKW. Not that it matters in the Grand Scheme of Life but it will look bad toward our hobby (even though this was a commercial enterprise).

 

[rhurey]

From the picture it looks like both were traveling the same direction and one (appears to have been the bus) tried changing lanes into the other.

Early eyewitness says opposite direction and the duck lost a tire.

http://www.king5.com/story/news/traffic/2015/09/24/collision-between-bus-duck-vehicle-several-injured/72746930/

 

[Warthog]

Them DUWKs are new builds. They just share a name with MVs. I may have ridden on that one.

 

[RDUKW]

sound like a mechanical failure on the front end. Definitely a bad deal for the tour DUKW industry.

 

[tbearatkin]

Media is already reporting that these vehicles were designed for military use and have no business being on the road.

 

[papabear]

Media is already reporting that these vehicles were designed for military use and have no business being on the road.

Well poop!! If that's true than the 2015 Peterbilt road tractor we pulled in yesterday after it lost the left rear tandem that subsequently smashed into a passenger car shouldn't be allowed on the road either! (Thank God there were no injuries).

But that wouldn't make quite as good a story...now would it?

 

[swbradley1]

But that wouldn't make quite as good a story...now would it?

It never does PB, it never does.

 

[rhurey]

Media is already reporting that these vehicles were designed for military use and have no business being on the road.

Well, the Seattle media has been pretty level headed. And if any is going to flip out, it'd be them.

In the end the ducks are one of the local tourist attractions the city is proud of, the whole military nature of them is far more accepted in the style of swords -> plows kinda thing.

 

[tbearatkin]

Who knows but still not good for our hobby. The safety of the amphibious boats has been questioned before. Lawyer Steve Bulzomi represented a motorcyclist who was run over and dragged by a Ride the Ducks boat that came up behind him at a stoplight in downtown Seattle in 2011. "These are military craft that were never designed to navigate narrow city streets," Bulzomi said Thursday. "This is a business model that requires the driver to be a driver, tour guide and entertainer at the same time. It asks too much of the driver." http://www.aol.com/article/2015/09/...-and-tourist-bus-collide-on-seattle/21240605/

 

[marchplumber]

Prayers offered for all that were injured or killed in this horrendous accident!! Especially the remaining families. May they find strength, courage, and peace in the Lords arms!

News/media ??? Wasn't there a song by Don Henley??? "Dirty Laundry"?? nuff said.

 

[Warthog]

From Wikipedia

The actual vehicle is based on the famous World War IIDUKW amphibious design (see post-war use). Today, the company builds its vehicles from the ground up to incorporate advances in marine design and safety. Ride the Ducks now owns the rights to, and manufacturers its own amphibious vehicles.[SUP][5][/SUP] In addition to equipping their vehicles with a number of safety features, including an abundance of adult- and child-sized lifejackets, duck captains are certified by the United States Coast Guard and hold commercial drivers' licenses. The captains are also fully trained in first aid and CPR. "We really put our captains through the wringer," says Claire Sewell, general manager for Memphis' Ride the Ducks. "But we think they would agree that it's worth it.[SUP][6][/SUP][SUP]


[/SUP]

 

[Keith_J]

Media is already reporting that these vehicles were designed for military use and have no business being on the road.

The ones I have ridden have been modern reproductions. Modern engines, axles and transmissions.

 

[mkcoen]

The ones I have ridden have been modern reproductions. Modern engines, axles and transmissions.

The problem is perception. Every black rifle is an "assault rifle" no matter what and anything that resembles anything that was once military is still military and shouldn't be owned by individuals (according to some). Luckily in TX we can still tell a busybody that has something negative to say about our vehicles to go pound sand but in WA there's always the chance of something getting banned by the Starbucks crowd in Olympia.

 

[BnaditCorps]

Well I was thinking a front axle failure or tire blow out. Sounds like the latter.

But it is sad that this had to happen, and will probably not be a good reflection on our hobby or "Military" equipment in civilian use either.

 

[waayfast]

The problem is perception. Every black rifle is an "assault rifle" no matter what and anything that resembles anything that was once military is still military and shouldn't be owned by individuals (according to some). Luckily in TX we can still tell a busybody that has something negative to say about our vehicles to go pound sand but in WA there's always the chance of something getting banned by the Starbucks crowd in Olympia.

"There is no reality----there is only perception------" Read that some where years ago--- very very true!!-------


Jim

 

[USAFSS-ColdWarrior]

I ask that we all take a knee and pray safety over all the MV hobby and their other users as well.

Heavenly Father,
Keep us safe as we enjoy the vehicles You have blessed us to possess and operate. Be with us always.
In Jesus' name we pray.
AMEN.

 

[undysworld]

DUKW Accident in Seattle - what effect on the hobby?

Just FYI - http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/ride-the-ducks-vehicle-collides-with-bus-on-aurora-bridge/

Tragic news from Seattle. 4 dead in DUKW v. bus accident. The company reports several recent accidents. We all need to be extra careful, because an accident like this can sway public opinion against our favorite vehicles. We do not want to be viewed as unsafe.

Be careful and respectful out there.