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Operator arrested after airboat flips in Florida Everglades, sending several people into the water

One person was hurt, local news outlets report.

MIAMI-DADE, Fla. — The operator of an airboat that flipped over in Miami-Dade County Friday has been arrested, officials say.

Passengers were sent into the water in the Everglades when the driver attempted to make a U-turn after seeing an alligator, passengers told CBS News Miami.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials were told that several people were in the water in the area of Coopertown, 20 miles west of Miami on Tamiami Trail, WTVJ News 6 reported.

Helicopter video captured the scene showing the flipped airboat on its side in the water. Several rescue vehicles surrounded the area.

Officials told outlets one person suffered minor injuries and was not taken to a hospital.

Coopertown, with a population of eight people, is a small unincorporated community in Miami-Dade that is most known for its airboat tours of the Everglades. The operator, who has not been identified, was an employee with Coopertown Airboat Rides.

No further information is available.

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