A number of folks had 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.
— Clearwater Police Division (@myclearwaterPD) April 28, 2025
All of these injured had been aboard the ferry, which was carrying greater than 40 folks.
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 believe that the boat responsible for hitting the ferry left the scene immediately, and we believe that our law enforcement partners may have that boat,” Clearwater Police spokesperson Rob Shaw mentioned.
Authorities didn’t instantly present the variety of those that had been damage.
“All native hospitals have been notified. A number of trauma alerts have been known as with helicopters transporting two of the extra significantly injured,” the put up 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.
