VIDEO/PHOTOS: Eight people are confirmed dead after an overnight fire destroyed dozens of boats docked at Jackson County Park in Scottsboro, the authorities said.
Fire Chief Gene Necklaus said at an 11:30 a.m. briefing that the names of the victims aren’t yet being released.
Firefighters were called to the dock around 12:40 a.m.
Seven people were rescued from the water and taken to a hospital for treatment. Scottsboro Fire Chief Gene Necklaus said they weren’t seriously injured. Most were suffering symptoms of hypothermia because of the cold water conditions. “This is absolutely devastating,” Necklaus said this morning. "In my experience, (it’s) one of the most devastating things I’ve ever seen. I think as we learn more details, that tragedy will continue to grow.”