Florida authorities declare a ‘mass casualty’ in deadly boat crash near Clearwater
CLEARWATER, Fla. — 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. 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,” the post said.
Videos on social media showed several first responders rushing to the scene with lights flashing.
Police cautioned drivers to avoid Memorial Causeway.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission will investigate the crash.
Pope Leo’s religious community is drawing renewed interest. Here’s what makes it unique
"Before, we might get two or three discerners. But after Pope Leo, I now have 15. It's unbelievable."
The CDC still hasn’t issued COVID vaccine guidelines, leaving access in limbo
Access to the COVID-19 vaccines remains difficult because of an unusual and unexplained delay by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in accepting recommendations from its advisers.
National Guard presence may deter crime, but experts warn of the long-term costs
As President Trump ramps up efforts to send federal officers and troops into cities, criminologists are watching closely. Are the feds doing this in a smart way?
Coalition raises concerns surrounding manufacturer’s environmental, labor practices in small Alabama town
The report from the Good Neighbors Alabama coalition concerns the Neptune Technology Group plant in Tallassee.
AI designs for dangerous DNA can slip past biosecurity measures, study shows
Companies that make DNA for science labs screen out any requests for dangerous bits of genetic material. But a new study shows how AI could help malevolent actors get the stuff anyway.
Taylor Swift, George Orwell and Dwayne Johnson are in movie theaters. Take your pick
In cineplexes this weekend, Dwayne Johnson plays UFC fighter Mark Kerr, while Taylor Swift debuts a new music video. A new documentary pairs real-world footage with George Orwell's prescient words.