Crews continued the search for a missing child following a boating accident on Buffalo Springs Lake late Sunday evening.
“We will be out here as long as it takes to get all the info, and certainly to get our unaccounted-for passenger. But like I say, we are employing every resource we have at our disposal, and we will keep going,” Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Captain Aryn Corley said.
Texas Parks and Wildlife joined Buffalo Springs and Ransom Canyon first responders on the scene, along with Aerocare, Lubbock Sheriff’s Office and members of Lubbock Fire Rescue’s Dive Team.
Nine people were taken to area hospitals after being involved int he accident. Two of the six patients being treated at University Medical Center were discharged on Monday, but EverythingLubbock.com was told there was no update on the conditions of the other passengers.
Witnesses said the crash happened near the swimming area.
“We just saw kids like fly out of the boat,” Arianna Villarreal said.
Another witness Jayton Castillo said, “Yeah, it was really loud like a car crash. It was really loud.”
They said the two boats may have been speeding.
“They both just collided, and you see some kid just hit the side of the boat. Then there was some guy screaming,” Castillo said.
“You see kids flying everywhere, and that is scary,” Villarreal said. “That is something that should never happen. Especially at the lake with your family and stuff.”
Texas Parks and Wildlife reminded lake-goers to always wear a life jacket and use proper safety precautions.
“Every person, regardless of their swimming expertise, I encourage and strongly suggest they wear a personal flotation device when they come out on the water because as we see here tonight unexpected things do happen,” Captain Corely said.
Park personnel said that no one is allowed to go out on the water or even be on the beach area at this time, but the roads are open to residents and visitors.
