Water slide collapses at Clay Co. community pool

Police: 13 students suffer minor injuries; 5 hospitalized

FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. – More than a dozen high school students were hurt Thursday after a water slide at the Eagle Harbor Community Pool collapsed, sending five students to the hospital, authorities said.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office confirms the Fleming Island High School Band was hosting a pool party at the community pool when the slide collapsed late Thursday afternoon.

Clay County Fire Rescue officials said that even though a sign located at stairs leading to the slide stated only one occupant should be on the slide at a time, there were 10 to 15 people on the slide at the time of the accident.

Officials said one-third of the slide collapsed into a nearby retention pond.

Police confirmed 13 students suffered injuries during the collapse.

The chairwoman of the Clay County School Board told News4Jax two students were transported by rescuers to a local hospital Thursday night. Most of the injuries were said to be minor in nature, with some of the teens suffering abrasions, lacerations and bruises.

One student reportedly went to UF Health with a head injury, but is said to be in stable condition. Four others went to Baptist Clay Medical Center with minor neck and back injuries.