Pier walkway collapse on Georgia’s Sapelo Island leaves 7 dead

Collapse on Sapelo Island leaves 7 dead.

The tragedy occurred during a celebration.

Rescue teams are still searching for survivors.

The collapse of a pier walkway on Sapelo Island, Georgia, on Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least seven people, authorities said.

The incident took place as a crowd gathered to celebrate Cultural Day honoring the Gullah-Geechee community, descendants of African slaves.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources spokesman Tyler Jones reported that several people were taken to hospitals and rescue teams continue to search the water.

Among the dead was a chaplain for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

WHAT HAPPENED?

BREAKING: At least 7 killed in boat dock collapse on Georgia’s Sapelo Island, authorities say.

Several others were taken to hospitals, the AP said, citing Tyler Jones, a spokesperson for the Georgia DNR.

#Georgia | #SapeloIsland

Source: AP pic.twitter.com/quBvQOWymm

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The walkway connecting the ferry to the main dock collapsed, throwing at least 20 people into the water, according to AP.

The cause of the collapse is still unknown, but it is confirmed that seven people lost their lives. Coast Guard crews, firefighters and other agencies are in the area.

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Cultural Day is an annual celebration that highlights the traditions of the small Gullah-Geechee community, based in Hogg Hummock, an area inhabited by descendants of slaves.

The tragedy occurred about 60 miles south of Savannah, and the only way to access Sapelo Island is via ferry. Authorities continue to investigate the causes of the collapse while search efforts continue.

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Collapse on Sapelo Island PHOTO: MundoNOW