RedactedNarrative: On July 5th, 2019, at approximately 4:15 P.M. operator was at the Calumet Yacht Club, located at 4025 E. 102nd St. in Chicago. Operator was attempting to start the engine of his 1999 Kawasaki Ultra 150 Personal Watercraft (PWC) / Waverunner. Operator stated he attempted to start the PWC on land before launching. Operator stated he often times did this. After not being able to start the engine on land successfully, Operator decided to launch the PWC. 
  
  Operator backed the trailer and PWC into the water. Operator stated he put his life jacket on, got onto the PWC and attempted to start it. Upon pressing the ignition button, Operator stated he heard and explosion and was thrown into the air. Operator landed in the water at the bottom of the boat ramp and was transported by Chicago Fire Department to the University of Chicago Medical Center. 
  
  Operator stated he fueled the PWC up approximately 1 hour before attempting to start it on land. He also informed me there was about a 20-minute delay between attempting to start the PWC on land, and attempting to start the PWC in the water. 
  
  I photographed the PWC in it''s current state, the Hull was split in two, separating the hull from the superstructure and steering column. There was visible cracking on the cowling on the bow. There were visible burns to the foam-floatation inserts in the hull, as well as charring and melting of various plastics and wiring harnesses. There did appear to be a missing retaining gasket for the fuel intake hose. The explosion was a fuel-air explosion caused by a positive ignition source. The exact origin of the ignition could not be determined. Operator stated he replaced the batteries, spark plugs and drained the old fuel out of the PWC on Sunday (06/30/19). Upon inspection of the PWC, the battery terminals were covered and the spark plug wiring appeared to be connected correctly.
  
  Operator stated the value of the PWC at 750.00. Operator did not activate insurance on the PWC yet.
  
  Operator suffered a visible laceration to his forehead (photograph attached), as well as a broken vertebrae. Operator said the doctors do not think it is going to require surgery of any kind and will not affect his quality of life.
  