A somber incident unfolded in Upstate New York on Monday as a tour boat capsized within the Lockport Cave system, claiming one life and leaving eleven others injured. The boat, operated by Lockport Cave Tours, was carrying a group of 29 visitors affiliated with Destination Niagara, along with a staff member.
Emergency crews swiftly responded to the scene, working diligently to rescue those trapped in the overturned vessel. Eleven individuals were transported to local hospitals, suffering mostly minor injuries, the most serious being a broken arm. Authorities have confirmed one fatality, with the cause currently under investigation. The New York State Police from the Lockport Barracks confirmed the incident occurred on the Erie Canal.
The accident took place shortly before 11:30 a.m., prompting the closure of surrounding streets to facilitate access for emergency vehicles and personnel. Initial reports from the Lockport Police Department indicated approximately 30 people were on board at the time of the capsize.
The Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride offers a combined historical walking tour and boat ride through the man-made cave system, which dates back roughly 150 years. Boat tours have been operating within the cave since 1977. The cave's water depth is estimated to be between four and six feet.
This incident comes on the heels of other recent news events, including the I-95 collapse in Philadelphia due to a tanker truck fire and a train derailment in Arizona. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Lockport Cave boat accident.
