Several people were seriously injured after a boat ran aground at Lake Austin in Texas on Sunday. The incident occurred around 12:50 AM and resulted in one person being airlifted to a hospital, while another was taken by ambulance with serious injuries.
According to CE-BAR Fire Asst. Chief Campbell, who spoke at a news conference, the accident involved a single boat. The boaters were traveling downstream when they encountered a wake from another boat. This caused them to lose control, veer to the right, eject at least one person, and ultimately hit the bank on the river’s right side.
The Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) reported that two other individuals suffered potentially serious injuries, while a teenager was listed as missing or unable to be located. Additionally, two people refused transport to local hospitals, according to ATCEMS.
Authorities have classified the incident as a Level-5 mass casualty event. The remote location of the accident necessitated the use of jet skis to transport the injured individuals. Responders are currently in recovery mode, as stated by ATCEMS.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Marilyn Heck contributed to this story.
How has the remote location of the accident impacted the response and recovery efforts of authorities
Several people were severely injured in a harrowing boat accident that took place on Sunday at Lake Austin in Texas. The incident occurred around 12:50 AM, and its aftermath has left the community shaken.
According to Chief Campbell of CE-BAR Fire, who addressed the media during a press conference, the accident involved a single boat. The boaters were voyaging downstream when they unexpectedly encountered a powerful wake from another passing boat. As a result, they lost control of their vessel, swerved to the right, and tragically collided with the riverbank on the right side, ejecting at least one person.
The Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) reported that two other individuals sustained potentially serious injuries, while a teenager is currently listed as missing or unable to be located. Additionally, two people were fortunate enough to escape serious harm and did not require transportation to local hospitals, as confirmed by ATCEMS.
In a devastating turn of events, authorities have classified this incident as a Level-5 mass casualty event. Due to the remote location of the accident, jet skis have been employed to transport the injured individuals, highlighting the dire circumstances present.
As responders tirelessly strive to assist those affected, ATCEMS has entered recovery mode to ensure all necessary measures are taken. The situation is still unfolding, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Reporting by Marilyn Heck has significantly contributed to this story.
Sending thoughts and prayers to all those involved in the boat accident at Lake Austin. Hoping for a speedy recovery for everyone.