At least 12 injured, 2 children after Toronto Island ferry crashes into terminal dock

At least a dozen people were injured, including two children, after one of the Toronto Island ferries crashed while pulling into the dock at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.

According to police the Sam McBride ferry was carrying 912 passengers and six crew when the sudden collision occurred just after 5 p.m. Saturday as it was attempting to dock.

“There was a collision with the boat as it was docking and that caused several passengers to fall forward, which resulted in their injuries,” said Toronto Police Duty Insp. Lori Kranenburg.

Paramedics tell CityNews they treated at least 12 patients on scene and five were eventually transported to hospital – including two children – but none of the injuries are deemed to be serious.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known and an investigation will determine what happened and whether the ferry sustained any damage.

Both the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Transportation have been notified.

The City of Toronto has reduced ferry service until further notice, suspending ticket purchases for the remainder of the day and refunding tickets that have been sold.

“There will be no service to Toronto Island for the remainder of today, Saturday, August 20, as the focus of operations is bringing passengers back to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, city-side,” said spokesperson Alex Burke.

“Currently there are three vessels in operation, two passengers vessels and one vehicle/passenger vessel. Passengers traveling between Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and Toronto Island should be prepared for a significant wait.”

Burke said staff are working with Island residents to accommodate their travel.

“City staff will be conducting a full investigation and, prior to resuming full operations, will require an inspector to sign off on the proper safety procedures and measures,” said Burke.

COLLISION:
Queens Quay W + Bay St
* 5:08 pm *
– Ferry has struck the dock
– Reports a number of people fell
– No one in the water
– A number of people are injured
– Unknown how serious
– Marine Unit o/s
– Investigating#GO1609988
^dh pic.twitter.com/i1km9YKVPs

— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) August 20, 2022