Rescues underway in New York City
Several people were in hospital on Monday after a boat capsized while visiting a cave in Lockport, New York, police said.
Seven people were being treated at the Eastern Niagara Health System, spokeswoman Patricia Kingston-Brandt said. She said all seven are stable but was unable to comment further on their individual conditions.
“As you can imagine, the water is cold in the cave. It’s a very confined area, and any time a boat capsizes, I can imagine there will be injuries,” Kingston said. Brandt.
Earlier, Lockport Police and Fire Department and other agencies were responding to the scene, according to a Lockport Police Department news release.
“Crews are working to assist all parties to safely exit the area. This incident is still ongoing,” the statement said.
Nearby streets were closed to make way for emergency vehicles and crews.
The Associated Press initially reported that 36 passengers were in the boat at the time. The number has not been confirmed by authorities.
Video footage from the scene outside the Lockport Cave office showed a person talking as she was loaded into an ambulance. Others wrapped in white towels were escorted to a bus as a steady rain fell.
The tunnel was destroyed in the 19th century to carry additional water from the Erie Canal to supply nearby businesses.
A website advertising a “Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride” describes the experience as a 75-minute historic walking tour along the Erie Canal, located a 30-minute drive from Niagara Falls or Buffalo. Footage from the tour shows a small motorboat in a dimly lit underground cave.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Lockport is a town of about 21,000 in Niagara County, New York, according to the US Census Bureau. It is located about 20 miles northeast of Buffalo.
Contributor: The Associated Press
USA Today
