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Several major publications are reporting that court records indicate that the deadly duck boats were designed decades ago by a businessman who had no engineering experience. The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times and USA Today are among those reporting that the designer and entrepreneur, Robert F. McDowell, had completed only two years of college and “had no background, training or certification in mechanics when he came up with the design for ‘stretch’ duck…

The Ride the Ducks Branson company reportedly was warned about dangerous safety issues and design flaws nearly a year ago regarding its amphibious vessels, according to Fox News. It is being reported by Fox News that a mechanical inspector hired by owners of the company, Ripleys Entertainment based in Florida, hired a mechanical inspector to examine 24 duck boats that it was interested in buying at that time. Steven Paul, who served in the U.S….

Investigators updated the public and the media on its ongoing investigation into Thursday’s July 19, 2018) tragic duck boat trip on Table Rock Lake that left 17 people dead and 14 more injured. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Member Earl Weener revealed on Saturday evening that a “black box,” similar to that found on airplanes, had been located on the submerged duck boat and has been shipped to Washington, D.C., for inspection. A preliminary report…

As more details emerge from the investigation into the duck boat that sank near Branson, Missouri, Thursday (July 19, 2018), experts are more carefully examining the weather conditions that day and any safety procedures that might have been followed on the amphibious vessel before leaving on its tourist run. The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Table Rock Lake area from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and about a…

A duck boat carrying 31 people sank in a storm while they were on Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri, on the evening of Thursday, July 19th. The boat capsized then sunk to the bottom of the lake, killing 17 people on board, reportedly even small children. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating whether life jackets were on board and used. Investigators also are looking into whether warnings about the weather were ignored…

With summer upon us, that means that amusement park rides are in full swing. But with that sometimes comes word of horrible incidents that injure or even kill unsuspecting ride goers who went to the park for some fun. That just occurred in mid-June when a roller coaster derailed in Daytona Beach, Florida, leaving six people injured. Two riders reportedly fell about 34 feet and four more who were dangling following the malfunction were sent…

The Chicago Bar Foundation (CBF) has been dedicated for the last 70 years to bringing Chicago’s legal community together to improve access to justice for people in need and to make the legal system more fair for everyone. The CBF is the charitable arm of the Chicago Bar Association (CBA). Last week, more than 700 people gathered at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago to honor those who have worked hard to bridging the gap in…

A medical helicopter reportedly crashed on Chicago’s South Side Saturday (July 7, 2018) about 9:15 p.m., injuring four people, including a patient in critical condition who was on board. Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are looking into the crash that occurred in a grassy area just off where Interstate 94 and Interstate 57 merge near Chicago’s Fernwood neighborhood. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified. Chicago Fire Deputy District Chief Walter…

A sobering statistic recently was released by the International Transport Forum: the United States leads the world in increased traffic deaths with a primary cause believed to be distracted driving. According to the new study of 29 nations, only five of the countries saw an increase between 2010-2016. The U.S., which jumped 13.5 percent in this period, was ahead of Argentina that experienced a 9 percent increase, followed by Chile that experienced a 5 percent…