Local News
Video captures moments before the Sapelo Island ferry dock gangway collapsed
Sapelo Island, GA – A devastating incident occurred on Saturday at a ferry dock on Georgia’s Sapelo Island, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least seven people.
The collapse of a gangway at the dock sent people plunging into the water, prompting a massive search and rescue operation involving the U.S. Coast Guard, the McIntosh County Fire Department, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and other agencies.
Multiple people were transported to area hospitals, and rescue crews continued to search the water for survivors.
Tyler Jones, a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, confirmed seven fatalities and stated that the search for additional victims was ongoing.
The cause of the gangway collapse remains under investigation, but officials believe at least 20 people were on the dock at the time of the incident.
The gangway connected an outer dock to the onshore dock, facilitating access to the ferry.
Among the victims of the tragedy was a chaplain for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Sapelo Island, located approximately 60 miles south of Savannah, is a small island community accessible only by boat.
The island’s annual Cultural Day celebration highlights the Gullah-Geechee community of Hogg Hummock, a settlement founded by former slaves from the cotton plantation of Thomas Spalding.
Gullah-Geechee communities, descended from enslaved island populations, are scattered along the coast from North Carolina to Florida. These communities have preserved much of their African heritage, including their unique dialect, fishing skills, and basket weaving traditions.
Local News
At least two killed, multiple trapped after explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol
BRISTOL, Pa. (Bucks County) — Emergency crews are responding to a major incident at the Silver Lake Nursing Home following a reported gas explosion that caused a partial building collapse.
The incident occurred at approximately 905 Tower Road, where a second alarm and a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) response were requested as conditions escalated.
First-arriving units reported significant structural damage to the facility, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation for residents and staff.
Authorities on scene indicated that approximately 15 patients were initially accounted for outside the building, while multiple others remain unaccounted for.
Rescue teams have reported numerous individuals trapped beneath debris on the second floor, as well as additional victims trapped in the basement area.
At least two fatalities has been reported in the basement, according to early emergency communications.
As the situation developed, a third alarm was transmitted, bringing in substantial mutual aid resources, including out-of-county fire, rescue, and emergency medical units. A medical helicopter has been placed on standby in anticipation of critical patient transport.
Emergency personnel continue to conduct systematic searches of the damaged structure while assessing stability concerns and coordinating patient triage.
The extent of injuries and the total number of victims have not yet been confirmed.
Road closures are in effect in the surrounding area as emergency operations continue. Officials have advised the public to avoid the scene to allow responders unobstructed access.
This remains a rapidly evolving situation.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as more details are confirmed.