Not less than one individual died and several other others have been injured Sunday when a ship crashed right into a ferry off the Memorial Causeway Bridge after which fled the scene, authorities mentioned.
The Clearwater Police Division posted on X that there have been a number of accidents and the crash had been declared “a mass casualty incident” by the Clearwater Hearth & Rescue Division as a result of variety of accidents.
Together with @clearwaterfire, we’re working a ship crash off the Memorial Causeway bridge that has resulted in a number of accidents. It’s been declared a mass casualty incident by the fireplace division as a result of variety of accidents. All native hospitals have been notified. A number of… pic.twitter.com/jsM2UJIfBA
— Clearwater Police Division (@myclearwaterPD) April 28, 2025
All of these injured have been aboard the ferry, which was carrying greater than 40 individuals.
The ferry got here to relaxation on a sandbar simply south of the Memorial Causeway bridge and all sufferers and passengers have been eliminated.
Police didn’t instantly present any details about the boat that fled the scene.
“We imagine that the boat answerable for hitting the ferry left the scene instantly, and we imagine that our legislation enforcement companions could have that boat,” Clearwater Police spokesperson Rob Shaw mentioned.
Authorities didn’t instantly present the variety of those that have been harm.
“All native hospitals have been notified. A number of trauma alerts have been referred to as with helicopters transporting two of the extra critically injured,” the submit mentioned.
Movies on social media confirmed a number of first responders speeding to the scene with lights flashing.
Police cautioned drivers to keep away from Memorial Causeway.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fee will examine the crash.
