Sunday, July 5, 2015

2 dead, 3 missing after pontoon boat hits the Clark Memorial Bridge and capsized in Ohio River in KY


2 people dead, 4 rescued and 3 missing in a tragic Fourth of July boating accident. 

LOUSIVILLE, KY (WHAS11) 

Two people died and three others rescued from the Ohio River Saturday night after the pontoon boat they were riding in hit the Clark Memorial Bridge and capsized, Louisville Fire Chief Greg Frederick confirmed late that evening.

The Chief said 9 people were on the boat when the accident happened and said three people were still missing. Of those three missing, one is assumed to be child. Three of the those sent to hospitals are at Korsair Children's Hospital and are believed to be in stable condition. The fourth was sent to University Hospital and is in unknown condition.

He said the current of the Ohio River was too swift to send dive teams into the water, leaving crews left to search for the missing on the surface of the water.
The first call to dispatchers came in around 9:28 p.m. as thousands gathered along Waterfront Park for the 4th of July festivities.

A helicopter could be seen above the bridge searching for the missing people just before the fireworks started Saturday evening.

Look for updates on this developing story throughout the night here on WHAS11.com and on Good Morning Kentuckiana.