LIVINGSTON, La. — A man is hospitalized with severe burns following a boat explosion in a canal off the Tickfaw River near Killian over the weekend. Devear “Dee” Tureaud, a mechanic known for his work on boating engines, was assisting three individuals with their recently refurbished motor Saturday night when the incident occurred.
Tureaud described the moment of the explosion, indicating there was no warning prior to the disaster. “We went to crank it the second time, and it just blew — no warning, just boom,” he recounted from his hospital bed at the New Orleans Burn Center. His companions, Dylan Fabre, Gaige Wilcoxon, and Seth Camallo, were on board when the engine detonated.
According to a spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the explosion took place around 9 p.m. Fabre detailed the unusual circumstances surrounding the incident, noting that it was not a typical backfire. “Somehow fuel or something got excessively involved, and when it backfired, it turned into a bomb,” he explained.
In a quick response to the dangerous situation, the men managed to push the 28-foot boat away from the canal to prevent further damage to nearby property. After moving the vessel, they contacted the Springfield Fire Department. Though the boat ultimately sank, firefighters deployed a containment boom to manage any potential leaks.
While Tureaud suffered severe injuries, including first, second, and third-degree burns, his three companions appear to have escaped with minimal injuries. Tureaud shared that he is undergoing skin graft surgery for his arms and is awaiting further treatment for his facial injuries.
Having constructed the motor himself, Tureaud expressed disbelief at the severity of the explosion. His family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help support them during his recovery, as he will be unable to work for an extended period. His wife, Eleshia, expressed gratitude for the community’s support during this challenging time. “It is very difficult and hard, but we are glad there are a lot of good people that are out there to help us,” she stated.
Reflecting on the traumatic event, Tureaud acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the importance of safety in such endeavors. “I’m just glad nobody else got hurt. This is something nobody wants to go through or witness,” he remarked.
As Tureaud begins his recovery, the incident serves as a stark reminder about the potential dangers associated with boating and engine repairs, drawing attention to the need for heightened safety measures in such activities.