Fireworks exploded overhead as onlookers formed hand motions to the song “YMCA” at the annual Fourth of July celebration at the Fernandina Harbor Marina.
Watching the fireworks from a vantage point as close to the river as possible, visitors stood on a metal gangway that led onto the marina. The gangway — a point of passage, not congregation — dons a sign reading “BOAT OWNERS ONLY.” It swayed under the weight of several dozen attendees and eventually buckled and collapsed, splashing into the water a few feet below.
The fall and metallic clang prompted a few screams of those on the gangway which caused a short panic among other attendees of the Hometown 4th of July event, though most were left wondering, what happened?
Despite claims of an active shooter or missing children, the ordeal was underwhelming, a few shoes fell off, drinks were spilled, and salt water splashed on some still standing on the gangway.
One person sustained a minor injury treated at the scene. Following the collapse, most people on the gangway exited calmly and onlookers checked on their safety. Fireworks continued.
The Fernandina Beach Police Department issued a statement Monday which said, “Although early reports mistakenly referenced an active shooter and a missing child, both were quickly determined to be false. No individuals fell into the water … Eleven individuals were evaluated at a triage site established at City Hall, with only one person requiring minor first aid.”
The News-Leader was at the scene. An officer already at the event immediately arrived at the gangway following the incident and could be seen speaking with witnesses. Shortly after, more officers and first responders with the Fernandina Beach Fire Department arrived.
The occurrence was a reminder of the continuous population growth and rise in tourism.
“This year’s celebration saw larger-than-expected crowds due to the holiday falling on a long weekend and new traffic patterns along Front Street. Despite the unexpected disruption, the fireworks display continued safely after the scene was secured,” the city’s statement read.
FBPD went on to say there was a meeting following the incident that resulted in several mentioned actions that could be taken to “ensure incidents like this during special events do not happen again. The city is committed to the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors and will continue to provide updates as the assessment and rebuilding process continues.”
The department said the city has engaged an engineering firm to assess the gangway and look to next steps.
“Marine contractors are working on a proposal for removing the damaged gangway from the Fernandina Harbor Marina,” the statement said. Light Up Amelia Inc., has hosted the downtown Fourth of July celebration since 2012 without prior incident.
achandler@fbnewsleader.com