On 5/23/09 at 1508 hours Sedgwick County dispatch advised there was a boat explosion/fire at Lake Afton involving injures.  Upon my arrival, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department and Sedgwick County Fire was already on scene.  Boat that had been totally engulfed with flames had been put our prior to my arrival. Boat involved was a 1973 Newman Citation inboard with 140 hp mercruiser engine.

Three people were inside the boat when the fire occurred.  Operator 1 who was seated in the operator seat, Passenger 1 who was seated in the passenger seat next to the operator and Passenger 2 who was standing in the rear section of the boat, near the engines.  Operator 1 stated that the boat had been pushed out from shore and he was attempting to start it.  Operator 1 tried to start the boat for the first time and nothing happened.  Upon the second attempt he heard clicking then a boom from the engine and saw flames.  All three occupants jumped from the boat into the water.  Passenger 1 was the only occupant that received injuries.  Passenger 1 had burns to her right leg below the knee and right arm below the elbow.  Passenger 1 was airlifted to St. Francis and released the following day.

Boating Officer and Sedgwick County Fire Investigator on scene.  Cause at this time appears to be no electric ventilation system or system nor functioning properly.  Photos taken.

Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Department report, witness statements and photos submitted with report.
Goddard                       