One person has died and several others were injured after a boat crashed into a ferry near Florida’s Memorial Causeway Bridge and fled the scene, authorities said. Clearwater Police called it a “mass casualty incident,” with more than 40 people on the ferry at the time.
“All local hospitals have been notified. Multiple trauma alerts have been called with helicopters transporting two of the more seriously injured,” police said. The ferry eventually came to rest on a sandbar, and all passengers were evacuated.
Little is known about the boat, which is said to be privately owned. Rob Shaw from the City of Clearwater stated, “We believe the boat responsible for hitting the ferry left the scene immediately,” adding that law enforcement may have located it elsewhere but are seeking more witnesses or videos.
Videos online showed first responders rushing to the scene. The US Coast Guard and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission will investigate.
Passenger Brenda Alvarez, who is 31 weeks pregnant, said, “I’m a little worried, I haven’t felt the baby move… my whole body hurts right now.” She was heading to the hospital to get checked after falling during the crash.