Investigation underway after at least 24 were injured during Everglades airboat collision

16 of the injured were transported to nearby hospitals, authorities say

FLORIDA EVERGLADES — An investigation was underway on Saturday after at least 24 people were injured when two airboats collided head-on in the Florida Everglades grasslands.

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According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, there were 33 people involved — 20 in one airboat and 13 in the other — during the crash at about 3:15 p.m., Friday, in Collier County.

First responders were at Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tour, in Ochopee, and took 16 who were injured to nearby hospitals in the Naples–Marco Island area. Some others were treated at the scene.

Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Greater Naples Fire Rescue, and Collier County Emergency Medical Services also responded, the Naples Daily News reported.

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Joseph Ojo

Joseph Ojo joined Local 10 in April 2021. Born and raised in New York City, he previously worked in Buffalo, North Dakota, Fort Myers and Baltimore.