Local News
Mass Casualty Incident Reported Following Airboat Crash in Ochopee, Florida
At least 16 people were hospitalized Friday afternoon after two airboats collided in Florida Everglades, investigators said.
A serious airboat crash involving multiple injuries has occurred near Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours, located at 32330 Tamiami Trail E in Ochopee, southern Collier County.
The incident, reported at approximately 3:08 PM, involved a collision between two airboats carrying passengers.
Authorities have declared a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident due to the severity and scale of the situation.
Early reports indicate that up to 12 people were on board the vessels at the time of the crash.
At least two individuals are critically injured, and one person is reportedly trapped beneath one of the overturned airboats.
Emergency crews from multiple agencies are on the scene, working tirelessly to rescue the trapped individual and provide critical medical care to those injured.
Several air rescue helicopters have been requested to assist in transporting victims to area hospitals for advanced treatment.
The circumstances leading to the crash remain under investigation by local authorities. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid the area to allow emergency responders to operate efficiently.
Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available. Anyone with knowledge of the incident or its contributing factors is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.