10 hours ago
Orioles minor-leaguers among those injured after 2 jet skis collide head-on near Lido Key
SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating after two jet skis were involved in a head-on collision Sunday.
The Sarasota County Fire Department responded to Lido Beach around 8:03 p.m. and transported two patients to the hospital as trauma alerts. FWC said two other victims suffered only minor injuries.
Two people were on each jet ski, according to FWC. All four individuals were ejected when the crash happened. Good Samaritans helped bring the riders to shore.
A spokesperson for the Orioles confirmed Monday night some of the team's minor league players were among those injured in the crash. The players were not named, but the spokesperson said Monday and Tuesday's FCL games have been postponed.
A full statement from the organization is below:
'On Sunday afternoon, some of our players were involved in a jet ski accident in Sarasota, Florida. Due to the circumstances, Monday and Tuesday's FCL games have been postponed. For the privacy of our players and their families, we will not share additional details at this time.'
Vacationers in the area recalled hearing the sound of sirens heading toward the beach.
'We don't know the status of the people, but hopefully they weren't hurt or weren't hurt too badly. It is the last thing you want to see is people enjoying themselves and getting injured,' said one beachgoer visiting from England.
Assistant Chief of Special Operations for the Sarasota County Fire Department, Tim Dorsey, stressed the importance of jet ski riders wearing secured life vests and other safety gear, such as a helmet. He also emphasized the importance of being aware of your surroundings.
'Your head has to be on a swivel, so you have to be constantly aware of everything around you. If I am making a turn, is there a boat or a person in the water over there? You have to be very very aware of your surroundings because in a split second, things can go wrong,' said Dorsey.
The crash remains under investigation.
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