1 dead as Florida authorities declare a ‘mass casualty’ in boat crash near Clearwater bridge

One person has died and several were injured Sunday when a boat crashed into a ferry off the Memorial Causeway Bridge and then fled the scene, authorities said.

The Clearwater Police Department posted on X that there were multiple injuries and the crash had been declared “a mass casualty incident” by the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department due to the number of injuries.

All of those injured were aboard the ferry, which was carrying more than 40 people.

The crash has been declared a mass casualty event. ZUMAPRESS.com

Police did not provide any information about the person who died.

The ferry came to rest on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway bridge and all patients and passengers have been removed.

Police did not immediately provide any information about the boat that fled the scene.

Authorities did not immediately provide the number of those who were hurt.

“All local hospitals have been notified. Multiple trauma alerts have been called with helicopters transporting two of the more seriously injured,” according to a Facebook post by Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department.

The boat crash “with multiple serious injuries” happened just before 9 p.m., according to the Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department. Clearwater Fire & Rescue Department / Facebook
Emergency crews transported two patients to the hospital by helicopter. ZUMAPRESS.com

Videos on social media showed several first responders rushing to the scene with lights flashing.

Police cautioned drivers to avoid Memorial Causeway.

The US Coast Guard and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission will investigate the crash.

You May Also Like

Truck driver charged with dangerous driving after man dies in crash

A truck driver has been charged with dangerous driving after a three-vehicle…

Brewers manager reveals he carries pancake in his pocket — before making reporter eat it

Have you ever heard of a pocket pancake? Well, now you have.…

CCTV captures moments after sacked Fox Sports reporter's alleged drunken crash

CCTV has captured the moments after sacked Fox Sports reporter James Hooper…

I friend-zoned my four-foot husband because he didn’t look like my dream man but marrying him was the best decision I’ve ever made – even though strangers think our photos are AI

A woman has revealed how she initially friend-zoned her four-foot husband after…