NewsPalm Beach CountyRegion S Palm Beach CountyBoca Raton

Actions

Boca Raton dock collapse sends 13 people into the water

Posted at 4:39 PM, Jun 27, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-29 04:11:31-04

A boat dock holding 13 people collapsed into the water at the Boca Bayou condominium Tuesday afternoon, according to Boca Raton Fire Rescue.

The incident happened at 4:20 p.m. at 1 Royal Palm Way.

"They're all in the water and hurt, my sister is hurt her leg is hurt," according to the frantic 911 call.

A total of 24 adults and 10 children were attending a family reunion hosted by a resident. The families wanted to get a group photo on one of the docks by the clubhouse when the dock collapsed as they were lining up for the photo.

"They were taking a family picture and it just gave way," said Roger Dean, who lives at the condo.

Fire rescue said three people, all females, received minor injuries and two were taken to Boca Raton Regional Hospital. 

The docks, claim neighbor Anthony Bonanno, are not mainatined by the condo association. "This is because they don't take care of the people, they don't take care of the place," said Bonanno.

Dean agrees. He wants answers to how his condo fees are spent. "I would like an investigation into this place to find out where the money is going," said Dean. "I've seen the dock. I've walked out there for a long time. The dock has been in a total disarray."

A structural engineer was on scene to determine why the dock collapsed.

The city says its up to Boca Bayou to investigate why the dock collapsed and determine whether their docks are safe.