On 07/02/13 at approximately 830AM CPT contacted me by telephone stating that there was a boat accident at Starved Rock boat launch and there were four injuries. At approximately 840AM I arrived on scene and observed a boat on a trailer with major front bow damage. CPO was on scene and informed me that he had already got the occupants information. 

I started the interview process with two individuals whom towed the crashed vessel back to shore. Two people stated they were fishing on the south bank of the Illinois River approximately one mile west of the Rt. 178 Bridge. They stated they heard a loud noise as if a boat hit something, as they looked toward the North bank they observed a boat crashed into the roots of trees on the North bank approximately one and one half mile west of the Rt. 178 Bridge. Subject stated as soon as they saw the accident they went to aid them in any way they could. He stated when they arrived on scene he observed four individuals without life jackets on, confused of what happened and unable to answer questions of what happened. Subject stated the boat struck tree roots that were out of the water on the North bank with the stern side bow. Subject and Corpus connected a rope to the vessel and towed it back to the Starved Rock boat launch. 

All individuals were treated and removed by EMS to Illinois Valley Community Hospital (IVCH).
 
At approximately 9:45AM the boat launch was clear of all EMS and Emergency vehicles. I arrived at IVCH to interview the injured individuals. Subject stated he was operating the boat at about 20mph to 25 mph, he looked back to hand a bag to Occupant1 and was not paying attention to how close he was to the bank. Subject stated the front of the boat struck the roots of a tree on the North bank, while hitting his chest against the steering wheel. 
 
Occupant2 stated he was sitting in the front of the boat facing Subject, he stated they were traveling pretty fast. Upon striking the roots Occupant2 struck the back of his head on the front of bow. 
 
Occupant1 stated he was standing in the back of the boat behind Subject, he stated they were traveling about 20 mph, right befor the accident he took a bag from Subject. Upon striking the roots Occupant1 hit the back of Subject with his chest. 
 
Occupant3 stated he was sitting in the front of the boat passenger side facing Subject, He stated they were traveling about 15mph. Upon striking the roots occupant3 hit the back of his head on the front of the bow.

None of the individuals had and visible injuries, but all complained of internal pain.
Utica