Multiple people injured after 2 airboats collide in Florida Everglades, authorities say

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Updated  December 13, 2024 6:00pm EST
FOX 35 Orlando
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OCHOPEE, Fla. - Authorities on Friday responded to a crash involving two airboats near Ochopee, Florida, south of U.S. Highway 41, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office said. 

Multiple agencies assisted with rescues with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) leading the investigation.

According to WSVN-TV, multiple people were injured, and 16 people were transported to local hospitals.  FWC said at the time of the collision, 20 people were on one airboat, with more than a dozen on the other. One of the boats reportedly capsized. 

Authorities respond to a crash involving two airboats near Ochopee, Florida, Dec. 13, 2024, [Credit: WSVN-TV]
Authorities respond to a crash involving two airboats near Ochopee, Florida, Dec. 13, 2024, [Credit: WSVN-TV]
Authorities respond to a crash involving two airboats near Ochopee, Florida, Dec. 13, 2024, [Credit: WSVN-TV]
Authorities respond to a crash involving two airboats near Ochopee, Florida, Dec. 13, 2024, [Credit: WSVN-TV]
Authorities respond to a crash involving two airboats near Ochopee, Florida, Dec. 13, 2024, [Credit: WSVN-TV]
Authorities respond to a crash involving two airboats near Ochopee, Florida, Dec. 13, 2024, [Credit: WSVN-TV]
Authorities respond to a crash involving two airboats near Ochopee, Florida, Dec. 13, 2024, [Credit: WSVN-TV]
Authorities respond to a crash involving two airboats near Ochopee, Florida, Dec. 13, 2024, [Credit: WSVN-TV]
Authorities respond to a crash involving two airboats near Ochopee, Florida, Dec. 13, 2024, [Credit: WSVN-TV]

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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