Party bus hits two people in East Boston, killing one

A rented party bus hit two people early Sunday on McClellan Highway in East Boston, killing one and injuring the other, authorities said.

The crash took place around 2:25 a.m. across the street from the Courtyard Boston Logan Airport Hotel, State Police spokesman David Procopio said. The names of the two victims and driver have not been released.

The person killed was a woman, according to Boston police, who are handling the investigation. Officials have not said whether the victims were inside the bus or on the street before the incident.

Officer Stephen McNulty said he could not release any other information about the case as the investigation continues.

The bus is part of the fleet for Entourage Livery, a North Attleborough company that rents buses and limousines for weddings, proms, and other events.

The vehicle was rented by a private group early Sunday, but sales manager Tom Estrella said he did not know how many people were in the bus at the time of the crash nor where they were going.

Estrella said the company doesn’t provide any beverages or food, though clients can bring their own alcohol and other provisions.

The white party bus, as advertised on an Entourage Livery website, has wrap-around couches that can hold up to 40 people. It features dance poles and flashing lights.

“It’s got limo-style seating,” Estrella said. “The only difference between that and a stretch Cadillac Escalade is that you can stand in it.”

He called the bus operator an “outstanding driver” and said he was not arrested after the accident.

“I wouldn’t expect him to face any charges,” Estrella said. “This was a very dedicated driver.”

Boston police spokeswoman Myeshia Henderson said Sunday morning that police do not believe the driver had been drinking.

The victim who survived was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, said Boston Emergency Services Lieutenant Gretchen Fox. That person’s injuries were “not very severe,” Fox said.

Entourage Livery general manager Brandon Braddock released a statement Sunday sending condolences to the families of the two victims.

“Our driver was questioned by Boston Police briefly as per protocol before he was released and sent home,” the statement said. “We have been in the business since 1999, with no accidents ever on our record, and will continue to cooperate during the investigation of this tragedy.”