Greater than a dozen children and oldsters had been injured in an airboat accident within the Florida Everglades on Friday.
We have realized that a lot of these people are from the San Francisco Bay Space. They had been in Naples, Florida for a youth soccer event.
Helicopter video reveals the scene after two airboats, giving excursions within the Florida Everglades on Friday, collided, injuring greater than a dozen individuals.
That is almost 3,000 miles away from California, however we have realized that the group on one of many boats was a part of an 8 and underneath youth soccer and cheer group based mostly out of Pittsburg, CA. They’re known as MEGA Soccer and Cheer and so they had been competing in a nationwide event in Naples.
They inform us the group was on a swamp tour when one of many boats struck the opposite. Dad and mom and youngsters had been thrown into the water.
RELATED: 2 airboats collide in Florida Everglades sending over a dozen individuals to the hospital
“Seems like there may be somebody beneath the boat presently,” stated a dispatcher.
At the very least 16 individuals had been hospitalized, in accordance with emergency crews. These from the group inform us that among the victims at the moment are again within the Bay Space, however round 3 or 4 individuals are nonetheless within the hospital.
In an announcement posted to their Fb web page the group writes: “We’re relieved to share that as of this morning. Everyone seems to be in steady situation. Nevertheless, a few our cherished dad and mom face a street to restoration. We’re grateful for the energy and resilience of our MEGA group throughout this difficult time.”
Members of the family of one of many victims inform us their beloved one broke their tailbone. Different accidents included damaged arms and unhealthy cuts, however everybody survived.
We reached out to the airboat firm to ask how one thing like this might occur however as of this broadcast they have not gotten again to us. They did submit an announcement to their web page on Friday saying, “Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Excursions regrets {that a} collision involving two airboats occurred this afternoon.” They went on to say, “All of us at Wooten’s provide our honest sympathies to everybody concerned, and need them a speedy restoration.”
Right here is the total assertion from Mega Soccer and Cheer:
Good Morning MEGA households,
We need to inform you of an incident that occurred throughout our 8U group’s journey to Florida for the AYF Nationals. A few of our group members and oldsters had been concerned within the airboat accident within the Everglades whereas on a swamp tour attraction.
We’re relieved to share that as of this morning, everyone seems to be in steady situation. Nevertheless, a few our cherished dad and mom face a street to restoration. We’re grateful for the energy and resilience of our MEGA group throughout this difficult time.
We ask to your prayers, optimistic ideas, and help for these affected and their households. Our MEGA household has at all times come collectively in instances of want, and we all know your love and encouragement will imply a lot to these recovering.
We’ll present updates as acceptable whereas respecting the privateness of these concerned. If you would like to supply help or have questions, please attain out to data@megafootballandcheer.com
Thanks for being a part of our unimaginable MEGA household. Your help means every thing as we navigate this example collectively.
With love and gratitude,
The MEGA Household
Right here is the total assertion from Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Excursions:
Airboat Accident
Friday December 13, 2024
OCHOPEE, Fla.-Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Excursions regrets {that a} collision involving two airboats occurred this afternoon.
We instantly contacted native space emergency authorities, who responded quickly to the scene, offering care to the passengers.
Following the accident, we started working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee and the sheriff’s workplace to assist of their investigations, that are ongoing.
All of us at Wooten’s provide our honest sympathies to everybody concerned, and need them a speedy restoration.
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