Boat accident at KC Zoo injures at least three

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Several people were injured after a tour boat crashed at the Kansas City Zoo Saturday afternoon.

The driver of the Mombosa Crystal Pontoon was trying to pass under a bridge in the Africa exhibit when in crashed into a support beam, according to zoo spokesman Julie Neemeyer.  

More than 20 passengers were jolted to the front of the boat and onto the floor.

Authorities say at least three people were transported to area hospitals with non life-threatening injuries.

Henry Rodriguez and his family were on the boat when it crashed into the bridge support beam.  He believes it the driver wasn't paying attention.

"He just wasn't paying attention, the boat driver, he hit that pillar hard," said Rodriguez.

A Zoo spokesperson tells 41 Action News that operator error caused the crash. An internal investigation is being conducted to figure out what the driver did wrong, and what if any damage occurred to the boat or the bridge.