Crime
Hit and run on water: At least 1 dead, several hospitalized after ferry struck by another boat in Clearwater
Clearwater, Fla. — Authorities confirm that at least one person has died and 12 others have been hospitalized following a collision involving the Clearwater Ferry on Sunday evening, April 27, 2025.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:43 p.m. near the Memorial Causeway Bridge.
According to officials, the Clearwater Ferry, carrying more than 40 passengers, was struck by another vessel, which subsequently fled the scene.
Due to the number and severity of injuries, the Clearwater Fire Department declared the incident a mass casualty event.
First responders from multiple agencies, including fire, police, and EMS, were dispatched immediately to the crash site.
Approximately 51 individuals were evaluated at the scene.
Of those, 12 were transported to local hospitals for further medical treatment.
Six patients were designated as trauma alerts, with two airlifted by helicopter to trauma centers.
Initial medical reports indicate several patients sustained broken bones and other serious injuries.
The ferry came to rest on a sandbar just south of the Memorial Causeway Bridge.
All passengers have been safely evacuated from the vessel.
No passengers are currently reported missing.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are leading the crash investigation.
Authorities have located the second vessel involved — a recreational boat — and its occupants are undergoing medical evaluation at the Belleair Boat Ramp, approximately 3.75 miles south of the crash site.
Clearwater officials released updated photos of the crash scene late Sunday night, confirming that all injuries originated from the ferry.
The identity of the deceased individual has not yet been publicly released, pending next-of-kin notification.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as agencies gather more information.
The Clearwater Police Department has asked anyone with information about the incident or who may have witnessed the collision to contact authorities immediately.
Chatham, Illinois — Authorities are investigating a tragic incident after a woman drove her vehicle through a daycare and after-school camp facility, resulting in multiple casualties.
According to Illinois State Police, the incident occurred when Marianne Akers drove a Jeep through the YNot After-School Camp in Chatham.
Witnesses reported that Akers struck several children outside the building before crashing through the facility and exiting from the opposite side.
Officials confirmed that four victims, ranging in age from 4 to 18 years old, were killed in the incident.
Six additional individuals sustained injuries and were transported to area hospitals for treatment. Akers was also taken to the hospital for medical evaluation.
Authorities on the scene conducted a field sobriety test on Akers, which she reportedly failed.
Multiple sources and witnesses at the scene have stated that Akers appeared intoxicated, and preliminary reports indicate that driving under the influence (DUI) is suspected as a contributing factor in the crash.
Police have taken Akers into custody.
Charges are pending the results of further investigation and toxicology reports.
Officials have emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, with some community members calling for stringent penalties for DUI offenses involved in fatal crashes.
It has also been confirmed that Akers was employed by the Chatham School District’s food service department at the time of the incident.
Law enforcement agencies, including Illinois State Police and Chatham Police Department, continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Additional details, including formal charges, are expected to be released in the coming days.
Anyone with further information regarding the incident is urged to contact Illinois State Police or local law enforcement.