Several hurt after boat slams into Key Largo bridge; authorities investigating

Speed cited as factor, authorities say

KEY LARGO, Fla. – A boat crashed into the Card Sound Road Bridge in Key Largo Thursday morning, injuring several passengers, with one requiring an airlift for treatment. authorities confirmed Thursday.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed that a 44-foot luxury Catamaran-style boat crashed into a bridge piling.

Authorities said seven people were onboard, with several suffering injuries; however, none were considered serious. One individual was airlifted for medical evaluation, while the others were treated at the scene, according to FWC officials.

Following the incident, authorities said the boat’s operator had the vessel towed to a marina in Key Largo.

Authorities said the operator declined to speak with law enforcement regarding the incident. Although FWC officials noted the presence of multiple alcohol bottles and cans inside the cockpit, they did not observe any signs of impairment with the operator.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the boat was operating at excessive speeds given the conditions, which included darkness, wind, and rain, according to the FWC.

They also said it is possible the operator did not see the bridge piling that was struck. FWC continues to investigate the incident to determine the precise cause of the crash and assess safety measures at the bridge.

No other information about the incident has been released at this time.

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Janine Stanwood joined Local 10 News in February 2004 as an assignment editor. She is now a general assignment reporter. Before moving to South Florida from her Washington home, Janine was the senior legislative correspondent for a United States senator on Capitol Hill.

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Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born in Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida since 1994.

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