RedactedNarrative: I was notified of an explosion that occurred on a personal watercraft near the campground at Wind Creek State Park.  I drove to where the personal watercraft was being removed from the lake.  I photographed the vessel and then traveled to Russell Medical Center to speak with the operator.  
  
  Owner/operator stated that he was attempting to start the watercraft and the starter would not disengage. He further stated that he pulled the emergency shutoff switch in an attempt to stop the starter.  This attempt by him did not stop the starter.  Operator said he removed the seat and was attempting to remove a battery cable when a spark caused gasoline vapors to ignite.  Operator said that he jumped from the vessel to get away from it and then swam to shore with the assistance from nearby relatives. 
  
  Operator sustained burns to his face, underneath his arms and his back.  He was transported to Russell Medical Center in Alexander City and later transferred to the University of Birmingham Hospital''s burn center.