Seven Injured in Atlantic City Boardwalk ATV Crash

A routine patrol turned into a frightening incident on our boardwalk this past Saturday when two Atlantic City police ATVs collided near the Tropicana, leaving seven people injured and raising questions about safety protocols in one of our community's busiest tourist areas.

The crash occurred around 1:40 p.m. Saturday afternoon when one police ATV rear-ended another coming off Brighton Avenue next to the Tropicana. The collision set off a chain reaction that struck two pedestrians and a parked tramcar, according to Atlantic City police.

Video footage captured the dramatic moment, showing both ATVs ending up standing straight up on end, with the officer driving the second vehicle falling backwards. The footage cuts to emergency medical technicians already on scene responding to the injured.

All seven people injured in the incident were transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for treatment. The extent of their injuries has not been disclosed, though the fact that all were taken to the same facility suggests the department took appropriate precautions in ensuring everyone received proper medical evaluation.

The crash occurred during peak season for the Tourism District Unit, which deploys officers on ATVs, bicycles, and traditional vehicles to patrol our boardwalk and beach areas. The unit operates from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. during spring, summer, and early fall months, with a roster that expands from 20 officers to 32 during the busy July and August period.

The incident highlights the challenges of maintaining public safety in crowded tourist areas where pedestrians, vehicles, and various forms of transportation share limited space. The boardwalk near the Tropicana is typically packed with visitors during summer weekends, making any vehicle collision particularly concerning.

Atlantic City police have not released additional details about what caused the initial rear-end collision or whether any changes to ATV patrol procedures are being considered following the crash. The department's investigation into the incident is presumably ongoing.

For residents and visitors alike, the crash serves as a reminder to remain vigilant on our boardwalk, where the mix of pedestrians, tramcars, bicycles, and patrol vehicles requires constant awareness from everyone sharing the space.