GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas – A Galveston County sheriff’s deputy was injured and airlifted following a crash early Sunday during the Jeep Weekend event at Crystal Beach.
According to a report from KSAT’s sister station, KPRC, a vehicle struck the deputy around 1:30 a.m. and nearly sent him through the windshield.
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The deputy was airlifted from the crash scene to an area hospital with two broken legs, a broken arm and head injuries, Sheriff Henry Trouchesset confirmed to KPRC. The deputy is expected to undergo surgery.
KPRC reports that at least 38 people have been sent to the hospital during the event, including eight by helicopter.
Officials confirmed to KPRC that there were nearly 80,000 people in attendance for Jeep Weekend. That’s an increase over years past and it’s putting a strain on law enforcement and emergency services, the Galveston County ESD 2 said on social media.
“Currently, this large influx of crowds is straining emergency services on the Bolivar Peninsula,” GCESD 2 said.
With the influx of attendees, more first responders and law enforcement agencies have been called in to assist.
KPRC reports many Jeep Weekend attendees waited in traffic for at least three hours to get on a ferry between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula.