At least seven people died this Saturday afternoon when he fell into the water after part of a pier collapse in the state of Georgiain the southern United States, according to local authorities cited by various media.
According to initial information, there is total 20 victims between dead and injuredand a good number of them had to be hospitalized.
The event took place in the Sapelo Islandduring an annual celebration of the Geechee, a community descended from former slaves. It is an island opposite the city of Savannahand connected to the mainland by a ferry line.
The cause of the partial collapse of the pier is currently unknown, and some media reports suggest that one of the ferries may have collided with a ramp which was full of people.
Many of those who participate in this annual festival come from the neighboring state of Floridaand among them were several old men.
Local media The current emphasizes that The celebrations attracted around 200 peopleadding that first aid came from the nearby Elm Grove Baptist Church.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp wrote on his X account that he was “devastated by the Sapelo Island tragedy”and said local and state emergency crews were still working at the scene, apparently to save the victims, but did not give numbers.
Marty, the girls and I are heartbroken by today’s tragedy on Sapelo Island. As national and local first responders continue to work this active scene, we ask all Georgians to join us in praying for those missing, for those still in danger, and for their families.
– Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) October 19, 2024
