HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities have updated the number of people injured in a boat explosion Friday evening on Lake Lanier, now saying seven individuals were hurt—two more than initially reported.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the 23-foot cabin cruiser exploded around 7 p.m. while being towed in Landshark Cove near Margaritaville. Flames quickly engulfed the vessel, rising as high as five feet. DNR Public Information Officer Mark McKinnon says the boat was carrying seven people, ranging in age from 5 to 45. All sustained second- and third-degree burns.
A quick-thinking operator towing the vessel managed to rescue everyone on board and transport them to waiting paramedics at Margaritaville.
Emergency responders rushed four patients to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, one by AirLife helicopter. A fifth patient was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, and two were treated at the scene, according to Hall County Fire Rescue PIO Kimberlie Ledsinger. All victims were reported to be in stable condition.
Firefighters used a portable pump and were assisted by Gainesville Fire’s Marine Rescue boat to extinguish the flames. The vessel was later towed to shore.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation by the Hall County Fire Marshal’s Office.
