A PLEASURE BOAT IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, EXPLODED INTO PIECES SATURDAY at a dockside refueling station.  Two people were killed and five others were injured, one seriously.

NineNews

The 35-ft. cabin cruiser had just been filled with 50 gallons of gasoline in preparation for a family outing.  When one of the party tried to start the engine, the accumulated fumes apparently ignited and blew the boat apart.  Debris was scattered over 150 ft. away.

The 48-yr.-old owner of the craft was severely burned as was his 45-yr.-old commonlaw wife who has life-threatening injuries.  The man’s parents, both in their 80’s, were killed instantly.  They were standing in the stern over the gas tanks.

NineNews

Five other family members standing on the dock were injured by the blast and debris.  The fueling station was heavily damaged as well.

The owner had just purchased the 2nd-hand boat and was taking his family on an inaugural outing.  The initial evidence and testimony indicates that the operator of the boat attempted to start it without first venting the hull of gasoline vapors, but the police say that it could be several weeks before a definite cause is confirmed.

The craft before Saturday (The Age photo)

The Sydney Morning Herald has the STORY.
The ABC has a video REPORT.

Trackback This Post | Subscribe to the comments through RSS Feed