LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — A boat explosion on Lake of the Ozarks left one man hospitalized Friday afternoon, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The incident took place just before 12:30 p.m. in Standing Rock Hollow, near the 33 Mile Marker.
Authorities reported that the explosion involved a 1986 Wellcraft cabin cruiser. The vessel was docked when the driver attempted to start the engine. While the investigation is ongoing, officials have not confirmed whether the boat had recently been refueled, although boat explosions are often linked to fuel fumes.
At the time of the explosion, a 70-year-old man from St. Joseph was piloting the boat. A 35-year-old passenger, also from St. Joseph, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Lake Regional Hospital for treatment.
Following the explosion, the boat was engulfed in flames and subsequently sank. Eyewitnesses in the area reported seeing smoke rising from the vessel shortly after the blast occurred. Emergency responders arrived on the scene quickly and worked to contain the fire.
Local authorities are reminding boaters of safety precautions, particularly regarding fuel handling and engine maintenance. They stress the importance of conducting thorough inspections and ensuring proper ventilation before starting any engines, especially after refueling.
No further injuries were reported, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with boating. Patrons at the lake were startled by the explosion, prompting concerns about safety on the water as the summer boating season continues.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion is continuing. Meanwhile, the community is rallying around the injured man, wishing him a swift recovery.