Multiple people injured during boat crash in White County

WHITE COUNTY, Ind. - Multiple people were injured during a boat crash in White County on Saturday.




According to a press release, the White County Communications Center received a 911 call about a boat crash around 7:02 p.m. The caller told dispatchers that the crash occurred in the Tippecanoe River outside of Buffalo, specifically near the 5000 block of East Cooper Drive.




Per the Indiana Department of Natural resources, three adults and two juveniles sustained minor injuries during the crash. The boat's operator was also hospitalized after the crash.




Another one of the boat's occupants was transported to IU Health White Memorial Hospital via ambulance immediately after the crash. The same occupant was later transferred to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis via medical helicopter. The DNR reported that the occupant sustained facial injuries during the crash and is currently in stable condition.




After a preliminary investigation, conservation officers determined the crash happened because the boat's captain was operating it in a dredge zone. The boat struck a submerged dredge pipe and came to a sudden halt. After the boat hit the dredge pipe, several occupants were thrown from the vessel.




According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), dredging is defined as "the removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbors and other water bodies." NOAA's website indicates routine dredging is necessary because sediment can naturally build up and clog certain waterways.




The DNR is still investigating Saturday's boat crash. Conservation officers have received assistance from the Buffalo Fire Department, Monticello water rescue team, White County Sheriff's Department and Monon Emergency Medical Services during its investigation of the incident.





via: https://fox59.com/news/multiple-people-injured-during-boat-crash-in-white-county/