Illinois woman dead after bus hits group outside Hawaii cruise ship terminal

HONOLULU (KHON) — A woman is dead and several others — including her family members — were injured after a shuttle bus crashed into a group of pedestrians in Honolulu.

The bus, driven by a 57-year-old man, was dropping off customers at the cruise terminal in Honolulu Friday morning, according to authorities.

The driver, who has not been identified, allegedly stepped out of the vehicle without realizing the shuttle was still moving. A nearby 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 into two concrete barriers and five pedestrians, according to Honolulu police.

Lillian Lee saw the chaotic scene unfold.

“He went back in and of course he wanted to step on the brake but I think he panicked and stepped on the gas and he was hurt as well,” Lee told Nexstar’s KHON. “There were people pinned between the wall and the van.”

A 68-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the Queen’s Medical Center.

The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii told KHON that the Illinois woman was traveling with her husband, her cousin and her cousin’s husband. It was a couple’s retreat, with both of them celebrating wedding anniversaries. The woman’s family members are expected to recover from their injuries.

Paramedics evaluated and bandaged six others who declined transportation to the hospital, said Honolulu Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Shayne Enright.

In a statement, Carnival Cruise Lines said nine of its guests, who traveled on Carnival Miracle were struck by the bus. The ship had departed from Long Beach, California, on April 6 for a 15-day trip.

“Members of the Carnival Care Team are assisting the guests,” the company said in a statement Friday. “Our thoughts are with the guests affected and their loved ones.”

A man in his 70s, who was in stable condition; and four people in serious condition — a 67-year-old man, a 67-year-old woman, a 58-year-old man, and a 55-year-old woman — were listed as patients by police on Friday. Their conditions as of Sunday are unknown.

Police said they are investigating the incident as an active fatal investigation. They added that speed does not appear to be a factor in the crash. It’s unknown if drugs or alcohol were involved, police said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.