Fatal Boat Crash Near Clearwater Bridge Declared ‘Mass Casualty Incident’

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A tragic boat crash near the Memorial Causeway Bridge left one person dead and several others injured on Sunday. Authorities have declared the incident a “mass casualty” event, with multiple passengers from the ferry suffering injuries.

The crash occurred when a boat collided with a ferry carrying over 40 people. Following the collision, the boat fled the scene, and authorities are still investigating the details of its involvement.

The ferry, which had been struck by the boat, came to a halt on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway Bridge. Clearwater Police and Fire & Rescue responded swiftly, with emergency personnel seen rushing to the scene. Social media videos captured flashing lights and first responders on-site, attending to the injured.

Police reported that all passengers were safely removed from the ferry, though the number of injuries was not immediately disclosed. Helicopters were called in to transport two of the most seriously injured individuals to nearby hospitals.

The Clearwater Police Department confirmed that the crash resulted in a mass casualty incident. Authorities have not released any details about the person who died, nor have they provided information about the fleeing boat.

Local hospitals have been put on high alert as multiple trauma alerts were issued in response to the injuries. Investigations into the crash are now being led by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Authorities have advised drivers to avoid the Memorial Causeway area as emergency services continue their response. Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.

Source: AP News – 1 dead as Florida authorities declare a ‘mass casualty’ in boat crash near Clearwater bridge