OPERATOR1 ADVISED THAT HE LEFT THE COURTESY DOCK AT RED TOP MOUNTAIN STATE PARK AND DROVE AROUND THE POINT TO THE BOAT RAMP. THE MOTOR WAS SPUTTERING AND CUT OFF. WHEN HE TURNED THE IGNITION TO RESTART THE MOTOR, THE ENGINE EXPLODED. OPERATOR1 TOLD ME THAT HE HAD BEEN SMELLING GAS FUMES FOR A WHILE AND THAT HE DID NOT TURN ON HIS BLOWER PRIOR TO TURNING THE IGNITION KEY. HE ALSO SAID HIS FRIEND HAD STOPPED EARLIER AND FILLED UP THE BOAT GAS TANK AT A NEARBY STORE AND THAT HE THOUGHT HIS FRIEND MAY HAVE FILLED IT WITH DIESEL FUEL INSTEAD OF GASOLINE. HE THOUGHT THE EXISTING GAS IN THE TANK AND THE DIESEL FUEL MIXED AND EXPLODED. BARTOW COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT THE FIRE OUT. SON RECEIVED 3RD DEGREE BURNS ON HIS RIGHT ELBOW AND INSIDE WRIST.
CARTERSVILLE                  