A number of individuals were hurt in a spectacular crash Sunday when a boat rammed into a ferry near Clearwater’s Memorial Causeway Bridge, fleeing the area before authorities arrived, officials reported. The accident, which was met with a mass casualty response, occurred as the ferry was transporting over 40 passengers.
The Clearwater Police Department confirmed the accident in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter), stating several injuries. Because of the severity of the injuries, the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department said the incident was a “mass casualty incident.” Everyone injured was on the ferry, which was stranded on a sandbar south of the Memorial Causeway Bridge.
First responders rush to the scene
Emergency responders, both police and firefighters, arrived at the scene in flashing lights, and videos on social media displayed the pandemonium of the moment. Multiple helicopters were requested to take two of the more critically injured passengers, who were designated as “trauma alerts.” Authorities refused to release an immediate count of injuries, though it is reported that several individuals suffered serious injury.
“All local hospitals have been alerted, and several trauma alerts have been called,” Clearwater police reported in a statement. “Helicopters are taking the most critically injured.” Officials confirmed that all passengers, including the injured, were safely evacuated from the ferry.
Fleeing boat behind the collision
In a disturbing turn of events, the boat that caused the crash abandoned the scene. The US Coast Guard confirmed that the boat in question was a pleasure boat, but no additional information about it was released. The Clearwater Police have yet to release any information regarding the registration of the boat or its driver.
The accident took place close to a busy spot for locals and tourists alike, since the Memorial Causeway Bridge links Clearwater to Clearwater Beach. The authorities are actively pursuing the escaping boat, and the US Coast Guard and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission are helping with the investigation.
Investigation under way
The accident has left many questions, such as the reason for the escaping boat. Authorities are trying to find the boat and establish its relation to the accident. The Clearwater Police have called on anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the boat to report.
The crash has further raised safety issues in the area since the Memorial Causeway Bridge is a highly trafficked highway connecting Clearwater and the beach. Clearwater authorities are further looking into the crash and what might have precipitated the accident.
