OCHOPEE, Fla. – A collision between two airboats occurred on Friday afternoon in southwest Florida, resulting in injuries to over a dozen individuals, as reported by local officials.

The airboats involved were carrying a group of 33 people at the time of the incident, which took place in Ochopee, located approximately 75 miles (120 kilometers) west of Miami. Sixteen individuals were subsequently taken to hospitals for treatment.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The incident happened around 3 p.m. at Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours, as indicated in a Facebook update from the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District. This company is known for providing airboat excursions through the private grasslands of the Everglades, among other offerings listed on its official website.

As of now, Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours has not provided any immediate comment in response to inquiries sent via email.

Details regarding the cause of the collision and the extent of the passengers’ injuries have not yet been clearly established.