RedactedNarrative: At approximately 1536 hours on May 30th, 2020 Columbia County Dispatch received a call about a boat explosion in a cove on Clarks Hill Lake near the Winfield Hills boat ramps, but could not provide an exact location. CPL and SGT were on vessel patrol on the lake and responded to the area.  Columbia County Deputies also responded by vessel to the area and located the listed subjects on the shoreline. Columbia County Fire and Rescue arrived on scene at 1616 hours and met with the passengers of the boat at the spot Deputy found them. All five subjects were transported by EMS to Doctors Hospital at 1655hrs.
  
  I responded to Doctors Hospital and met with each subject. Investigation revealed Operator was operating the listed vessel. Operator stated that he filled the vessel with fuel prior to putting the boat in the water. Operator stated he filled the tank by lifting the gas cap up and dispersing the gas into the gas fill hose. Operator stated he and subject1 launched the vessel at Windfield boat ramp and pulled around to a dock to pick up three others. After that they drove to a cove and turned the vessel off. Operator stated they discussed where they wanted to go and then he checked the battery terminals for safety reasons and then turned the key to start the vessel and that is when the vessel exploded. Operator stated that he did not smell any gas fumes prior to turning the key
  
  I spoke with Subject1 who stated he was sitting on the rear starboard side of the vessel under the canopy when Operator and Subject2 where looking for the ignition to start the vessel and then the explosion occurred. Subject1 stated he doesn't remember anything else.
  
  I spoke with Subject3 who stated Operator turned the key to start the boat and the vessel exploded. Subject3 stated he does not remember smelling any gas prior to the explosion
  
  I spoke with Subject4 who stated she was sitting towards the front of the boat when the boat exploded and doesn't remember anything else. Subject4 stated she does not remember smelling any gas prior to the explosion.
  
  Subject3 had suffered a head injury during the explosion and had a seizure when he arrived at Doctors Hospital. I followed up with him on May 31st, 2020 and he stated all he remembered was Operator starting the boat when the explosion occurred. Operator stated he does not remember smelling any gas prior to the explosion.
  
  Subject stated that before Operator left the house with the boat that he put some gas in the boat and cranked the motor to make sure everything would work. Subject said there were no issues.
  
  Inspection of the vessel showed significant damage throughout the vessel. There was a very strong odor of gas, and gas was flowing out of the vessel. I also found the fill hose to the gas tanks was not connected to the gas tank, but could have been disconnected from the explosion. I am unable to determine the exact cause of the explosion at this time.
  