Fumes in bilge of boat ignited by pump; 13 injured
SOLOMON’S ISLAND, MD (July 5, 2015) – Gas fumes were ignited on a yacht and the resulting explosion caused little damage to the boat but set off a chain of injuries to a group of people ready for a boat ride.
Maryland Fire Marshals report that on July 4th the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Natural Resources Police responded to the Spring Cove Marina located at 455 Lore Road in Solomon’s for a reported explosion on a boat with multiple victims.
The 6:40 p.m. accidental flash fire was determined to be the result of a spark from electrical connections at the onboard bilge pump while gasoline vapors were still present in the engine compartment. Thirteen victims were transported via ambulances and private vehicles to three separate hospitals for treatment of their injuries.
Two children ages 12 and 14, were transported to Children’s National Medical Center. The 12 year-old received burns to both legs and the 14-year-old was treated for an arm injury after jumping onto the pier. Four adults and a 16 year-old male were transported to Calvert Memorial Hospital. These patients, except for a 76 year-old male, were subsequently transported to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for additional treatment of burn injuries. Five adults and a 15 year-old male were transported directly to MedStar Washington Hospital Center from the scene.
All of the victims from the incident sustained non-life threatening injuries and are expected to recover fully after treatment of their injuries. The flash fire caused minimal damage with an estimated $2,500 in damage to the 38’ Carver Cabin Cruiser during the incident. The fire occurred shortly after refueling operations were completed at the pier.
The 6:40 p.m. accidental flash fire was determined to be the result of a spark from electrical connections at the onboard bilge pump while gasoline vapors were still present in the engine compartment.
