Whatever
Happened...
Question: What ever happened to the North Carolina woman who was run over in September by a rolling bus on the Big Island? Woman run over by bus
has substantially recoveredBy Rod Thompson
rthompson@starbulletin.comAnswer: Sandra Tschopp, 54, of Durham, N.C., has substantially recovered, although she has little feeling or movement in her right arm, said her husband, Tony, by telephone from their home.
Following the Sept. 24 accident at Kaimu, reports indicated -- incorrectly, Tony Tschopp said -- that an empty, 27-passenger tour bus operated by Polynesian Adventure Tours rolled over Sandra Tschopp twice.
In fact, the 13,740-pound bus merely knocked her down the first time as it rolled down an incline, Tony Tschopp said.
But when it stopped and rolled backward, it ran over her hip, chest and shoulder, fracturing ribs, spine, collarbone and shoulder blade, and injuring her heart and lungs, he said.
Initially in critical condition, Sandra Tschopp improved, underwent rehabilitation at Queen's Medical Center and returned home at the beginning of November.
"She still has a positive attitude. She considers herself very fortunate," Tony Tschopp said.
The tour company's insurer is meeting its obligations, and any thought of a lawsuit is "premature," he said.
The couple were on their first visit to Hawaii at the time of the accident.
"I think both of us would like to go back," Tony Tschopp said.
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