RedactedNarrative: On thursday april 9, 2020 at approximately 1600 hours, operator, subject1, and subject2 launched a 21' 2006 key largo in the tar river to fish. The boat had been filled with gas on march 27, 2020 (64 gallon tank) by subject1. The individuals had fished the river for over an hour, when at approximately 1715 one of the anglers hung his lure in brush fishing directly behind operators residence. The individuals retrieved the bait using the trolling motor, (had been drifting previously) and then, when nearing the bank, operator started the vessel which resulted in an explosion.
  
  Operator, standing behind the helm, was blown towards the stern.  Subject1 departed the vessel.  Subject2, whom was sitting in front of the center console, was blown into the air (like someone whom had sat on an airbag in his words) approximately 10 feet.  Subject2 landed on the gunwhale of the vessel on his left side resulting in bruising to his arm and leg, as well as a broken back. The actual center console was blown out of position (as seen in pictures). All 3 of the individuals then entered the water and swam to the back of operator's house.  Operator's wife advised me that she actually heard the explosion while reading at her residence. Once at operator's residence, they made contact with 911 concerning same (fd dispatched at 1723 hours).
  
  I was made aware of same approximately 1830 hours. I proceeded to the location arriving before 1930 hours to find operator and subject1 on location and was advised subject2 was transported to vidant hospital.  Falkland fd brought the boat back to shore. I spoke with operator as well as subject1 who advised they did not need medical attention several times.  After the vessel was handled (same was towed as requested by falkland fd with the consent of operator) i proceeded to vidant pitt to speak with subject2.  While speaking with subject2 it was found that he had broken his back.
  
  During the investigation, it was found that the bilge of the vessel was filled with gasoline as well as water.  It is my belief that when operator started the vessel with a battery located under the center console, an adequate amount of gas fumes had accumulated under the center console, and that the ignition resulted in a spark which led to the explosion.
  
  I do not suspect any malice or carelessness involved with the incident at this time.  While there was alcohol on board the vessel, i had no indications of impairment on the operator.  Subject2 later advised me at vidant that the alcohol, miller lite, was his.
  
  
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