A tragic accident occurred in Southern California when a power boat crashed into the Alamitos Bay jetty in Long Beach, resulting in the death of one man and injuries to ten others. The incident took place around 9:20 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting a swift response from the Long Beach Fire Department.
According to Capt. Jack Crabtree of the Long Beach Fire Department, the boat involved in the crash was a 48-foot vessel. Initial reports suggest that speed was a significant factor, with the boat estimated to have been traveling at approximately 40 mph (64 kph) at the time of the collision. However, the exact speed will be determined as the investigation progresses.
Upon arrival at the scene, emergency responders found 11 individuals, including a man in his 50s who had tragically lost his life in the accident. The other ten people sustained various injuries and were promptly transported to local hospitals for treatment. Seven of the injured required advanced medical care and were taken by Long Beach Fire paramedics, while the remaining three were transported by EMTs.
A jetty, the structure involved in the crash, is a long, narrow formation that extends from the shore into the water, often used to protect harbors and shorelines from the effects of waves and currents. The specific circumstances leading to the boat’s collision with the jetty remain under investigation, and authorities have not yet released additional details about the cause of the crash.
The Long Beach Fire Department continues to investigate the incident, aiming to uncover more information about the factors that contributed to this tragic event. The community is left mourning the loss of life and hoping for the swift recovery of those injured.
Source: Los Angeles Times, Associated Press