Pier collapses in US, 7 people dead

ABC News reported that at least seven people were killed and many others were critically injured after a pier collapsed on Sapelo Island, Georgia, USA.

Image believed to be from the scene

PHOTO: NYPOST SCREENSHOT

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources said at least 20 people were thrown into the water when the pier collapsed on the afternoon of October 19. In addition to the seven people killed, six others were critically injured and two more were airlifted to the hospital for treatment.

Many of the victims were elderly, some in wheelchairs, and some people at the scene jumped into the water to rescue those who were drowning, officials said.

Authorities received an emergency call about the pier collapse at around 3:50 p.m. local time. Local officials, the Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard responded.

Rescue teams used boats equipped with sonar (sound wave equipment) and helicopters to search for and rescue people who fell into the water.

The cause of the pier collapse is unknown and authorities are investigating. A team of civil engineers has arrived at the scene to assess the situation.

US President Joe Biden issued a statement later in the day expressing his condolences over the accident. "We are heartbroken to learn of the ferry ramp collapse on Georgia's Sapelo Island... My team is in contact with state and local officials, and we stand ready to provide any assistance that may be helpful to the community," the leader said. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also expressed his condolences and prayers for the victims.

The accident occurred as residents and visitors were celebrating a community cultural day on the island. The island’s inhabitants are a small community of Gullah-Geechee people, descendants of African slaves. The local community still maintains many indigenous African traditions.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sap-cau-cang-tai-my-7-nguoi-thiet-mang-185241020105641505.htm