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Fifth Crash Victim Dies Following Seattle Bridge Accident

Ted S. Warren
/
AP

A fifth international college student has died following last week's crash of a charter bus and an amphibious tour vehicle, or duck boat, in Seattle.

Harborview Medical Center said late Sunday afternoon that the 20-year-old woman had passed away. Her name was not immediately released. She had previously been listed in critical condition.

She was one of about 45 students and staff from North Seattle College who were traveling Thursday to the city's Pike Place Market and Safeco Field for orientation events when the duck boat suddenly swerved into their oncoming charter bus. Four students died at the scene, and more than 50 people were taken to hospitals.

Meanwhile, the owner of the duck boat company whose amphibious vehicle was involved in a deadly Seattle crash says operations will remain suspended until all the vehicles are inspected.

Ride The Ducks of Seattle owner Brian Tracey said Sunday night he was in "complete agreement" with calls by Gov. Jay Inslee and Seattle Mayor Ed Murray that the duck boats remain sidelined pending state scrutiny of the vehicles.

Federal Investigators say the vehicle involved in the crash did not have an axle repair that was recommended for at least some of the amphibious vehicles in 2013. Investigators say Ride the Ducks International had issued a warning about potential axle failure. The axle of the duck boat involved in the Seattle crash was sheared off — though it wasn't clear if the axle had broken before or after the collision.

The state Utilities and Transportation Commission will inspect the company's entire fleet and review the drivers' records.

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