Orange, TX — A boating incident on the Sabine River resulted in severe injuries to two men after their deck boat exploded, prompting both to swim to safety, authorities said Saturday.
The accident occurred on a serene stretch of the river, a popular area for water sports and fishing, making the explosion not only a tragic event but an alarming one for local residents and other river users. Emergency services were dispatched to the site shortly after the incident was reported in the late afternoon.
Jeff Stanton, a spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, noted that upon arrival, responders found the boat engulfed in flames. “The quick reaction of the two men to abandon the burning vessel undoubtedly saved their lives,” Stanton said. He described the men’s escape as a narrow one, with both individuals sustaining serious burns.
Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital. Doctors reported that they are stable but sustained second-degree burns and are currently under intensive care for monitoring and further treatment.
Witnesses on the scene described hearing a loud explosion before seeing the boat in flames. “It sounded like a huge bang, almost like a thunderclap,” said Ambre Guillot-Shaver, who was fishing nearby. “Then I saw two people in the water swimming towards the shore.”
The cause of the explosion is under investigation, with early reports suggesting that it could have been related to a malfunction with the boat’s engine or fuel system. Specialists are being called in to thoroughly examine the wreckage and confirm the exact cause.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of regular boat maintenance and safety checks before heading out on the water,” said marine safety expert Harold Jennings. He stressed that such checks might prevent most boat-related accidents.
The local boating community has expressed shock and concern over the accident. Many are calling for increased safety workshops and are reevaluating their own safety measures. “It definitely makes you think twice about what can happen, even on a calm and enjoyable day out on the water,” commented a fellow boat owner, Marcy Kilpatrick.
As part of the ongoing response, the Orange County Water Safety Advisory is planning to host several public seminars on boat safety, including how to handle boat fires and emergency evacuations.
Officials expect to release more detailed information once the investigation concludes and all relevant factors are accounted for. Until then, they urge boaters to adhere strictly to all recommended safety practices and to keep their vessels in proper working order to prevent similar incidents.