On or about Saturday, September 1, 2012, at approximately 2:19 pm, I, State Game Warden received a call from the Grayson County Sheriff's Office regarding a boat explosion at Grandpappy Marina, on Lake Texoma in Grayson County.  I arrived at the location and found a 30' 5" Chaparral fully engulfed in flames.  All passengers from the vessel had been evacuated and were receiving medical treatment from Denison Fire Department.  Marina workers towed the burning vessel to a nearby boat ramp where the fire department was able to access the vessel.  The vessel was a total loss due to the explosion and subsequent fire.  

On Wednesday, September 5, 2012, I travelled to the owner's residence to conduct the accident investigation.  I interviewed the owner/operator of the vessel.  Operator said that he and his family were headed to "Girl Scout Beach" for the Labor Day holiday, when they decided to get fuel at the Grandpappy Marina gas dock.  He said that there had not been any indicators of problems with the vessel earlier in the day.  After the vessel was fueled, Operator attempted to start it.  He said that the blowers were activated and appeared to be working.  He said the vessel would not start, so he let it sit for several minutes before attempting to start it again.  While he was waiting, he attempted to start the on board generator for the vessel.  The generator would not start on its first attempt.  Operator said that when he attempted to start the generator a second time, there was a massive explosion from the engine compartment.  Two people were thrown out of the vessel from the force of the explosion.  The operator was thrown down into the cabin, but was able to get out and off the vessel.  One other person was also injured due to the blast.  The other two occupants of the vessel were able to get off safely, with only minor injuries.  Four people were all transported to Texoma Medical Center in Denison, TX for treatment of their injuries.

Denison                       