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At least 16 individuals were hospitalized after two airboats collided Friday afternoon in the Florida Everglades.
The two boats combined carried over 30 people.
“At this time multiple agencies are the scene after a Level 2 mass casualty incident was declared earlier today in Collier County, Florida, after two airboats collided near Tamiami Trail in the Florida Everglades,” Rawsalerts wrote.
“Officials report that at least 16 people have been hospitalized. Including some children Preliminary investigations reveal one airboat was carrying 20 people, while the other had 13 passengers. The extent of the injuries has not been disclosed, and the circumstances of the collision remain under investigation,” the post added.
🚨#BREAKING: Multiple agencies are the scene after a mass casualty incident was declared after two airboats collided, leaving numerous people injured⁰⁰📌#CollierCounty | #Florida,⁰
At this time Multiple agencies are the scene after a Level 2 mass casualty incident was declared… pic.twitter.com/cZZ95w53bF— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) December 13, 2024
Per ABC News:
Officers responded to the 911 call around 3:15 p.m. and found several people injured at the site of the collision near Ochopee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said in a statement.
One boat was carrying 13 passengers while the other was carrying 20, the commission said.
The conditions of the injured passengers were not immediately released.
Investigators were working to determine the cause of the collision and the probe was ongoing.
BREAKING: 33 people involved in airboat crash in Florida Everglades. Two air boats crashed into each other. 16 people have been taken to the hospital.
Confirmed by FWC pic.twitter.com/c5oTeWhWdH— Madison Monroe Adams (@madmonroeadams) December 13, 2024
“This afternoon, in the Collier County Everglades, two airboats collided with a total of thirty-three passengers on-board. My office is actively tracking this rapidly-developing situation. Erika and I pray for the health and safety of all involved,” Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) said.
This afternoon, in the Collier County Everglades, two airboats collided with a total of thirty-three passengers on-board.
My office is actively tracking this rapidly-developing situation.
Erika and I pray for the health and safety of all involved. pic.twitter.com/zirg603tG8
— Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) December 13, 2024
Per Naples Daily News:
The incident occurred near Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours, Naples Daily News confirmed at the business located on Tamiami Trail/U.S. 41 in Collier County. The crash happened around 3:15 p.m., said Hailee Seely, public director Southwest Region of Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Seely sent an email in response to questions from Naples Daily News.
No one from Wooten’s would comment. A man did ask the press to stay on the grass closest to the road and off the private property.
“Preliminary information indicates that two airboats, one with 20 persons on board and another with 13 persons on board, were near Ochopee when they collided, injuring multiple passengers,” Seely wrote. “This is an open investigation. No further information is available at this time. A full report will be available upon request, once complete.” At Wooten’s, tourists board an airboat for a tour of the Everglades grasslands. The tours typically take from 30 to 50 minutes, launching from the private dock.
The entry gate was closed, and law enforcement could be seen on the other side of the parking lot. Several were taken out on an airboat for about 40 minutes while it was daylight. Law enforcement officers were still on scene at 6:30 p.m.
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