Cruise passengers injured in bus crash flown to JMH

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Fourteen tourists are recovering in a South Florida hospital after they were injured during a cruise ship excursion in the Caribbean.

One of the passengers was so badly hurt her sister didn't even recognize her. "She was internally bleeding in the stomach, her shoulder is broken and her arm is broke, and they still haven't fully evaluated what else is wrong with her," said Angel Holguin.

Holguin's sister, Annette Holguin, is among 16 people who were injured when a tour bus lost control Monday afternoon and crashed into a ditch on the Caribbean island of Dominica. According to Holguin, her sister's fiancé also suffered critical injuries during the crash. Her fiancé has a broken femur, broken ribs, broken back, fractured skull and blood in his lungs, Holguin said.

Crews flew a total of 14 people to South Florida on Tuesday and transported them to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where they received treatment. "There is certain level of medical care that is provided aboard the ships, but anything up and above that they don't have the medical resources to do on the ship. We are here to assist them," said a JMH spokeswoman.

The American tourists were all passengers of the Celebrity Summit cruise ship, who were returning to the ship from a culinary-themed shore excursion when the bus they were on careened into a ditch. Celebrity Cruises released this statement: "Our care will be ongoing as we assist them during their time in South Florida and in the process of returning home."

Holguin and many other families are holding vigil at JMH as they wait for word about their loved ones. Holguin was shocked when she saw her sister. "It's indescribable to see your sister like that. It's indescribable," she said.

While the victims are being treated at JMH, none of them are from South Florida, so many families have already flown into town or are in the process of doing so, so they can be with their loved one during this difficult time.

According to a JMH spokeswoman, six passengers are in critical condition, two are in serious condition and another six passengers are in fair condition.

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