On 7/4/2023 at approximately 1700, I received a call from TWRA Region 2 Dispatch of a boat fire near Two Foot Cove on Old Hickory Lake. Initial information received stated at least one occupant believed to be injured. I arrived on scene at approximately 1716 and observed the vessel was sitting on the Wilson County side of the main channel with any flames extinguished. 

I determined one occupant aboard the vessel, Victim, had sustained multiple burns and was currently being treated by Wilson County EMA on scene. Operator was determined to be the operator at the time of ignition and owner of the vessel. Through interview, multiple occupants and witnesses stated they had smelled an odor of gasoline while on the lake that day and stated the vessel was running "roughly" while exiting Two Foot Cove prior to ignition. They described the initial ignition as an "explosion". When questioned about possible issues with the motor, owner/operator Operator stated he had not experienced any issues with the motor prior to ignition. Victim was transported by Wilson EMA to Vanderbilt Hospital for treatment to multiple second degree burns and superficial burns on his body sustained during the fire. *** Operator Interview

Operator was the owner/operator of the vessel. Operator stated he had filled the vessel up with approximately twenty gallons of gas the morning of 7/4/2023 and had ran the blowers numerous times while on Old Hickory Lake that day. Prior to the accident, Operator stated they pulled anchor in Two Foot Cove and traveled a few hundred feet towards the main channel when he heard a "boom". Operator stated an occupant aboard then yelled fire, resulting in Operator grabbing the fire extinguisher and attempting to put out the fire with no success. Operator then stated he exited the vessel swam a safe distance away from the fire.

When asked if he had experienced any issues with the vessel motor that day, Operator stated he had not. When further asked, Operator stated there had been no issues with the motor running "rough" nor had he smelled gas fumes prior to the explosion/fire.

On 7/9/2023, Operator gave TWRA verbal permission to access his vessel in storage to take further investigative photos. Operator stated that he did not have to be present during the process and gave the gate combination of his own freewill. *** Victim (Injured Occupant)

Victim was one of six occupants aboard the vessel at the time of explosion/fire. victim sustained second degree burns to his left foot, inside right thigh, and left ribs as well as superficial burns to the inside of his right calf, outside left calf, and his left hand continuing up to his left shoulder. When asked about the vessel he had been on, Victim stated the vessel owner had recently replaced the vessel’s motor and believed that motor to only have a small number of hours of operational use. Victim stated he had smelled an odor of gasoline while anchored in Two Foot Cove on Old Hickory Lake. He stated he had mentioned the smell to the owner/operator who stated it was "probably something near the gas tank at the rear of the boat". Victim stated he was unsure whether the ventilation blowers were operated while on the lake, but stated he did not remember seeing them ran prior exiting Two Foot Cove. Victim stated that he was seated behind the operator and to the right of the motor prior to explosion/fire. 

Interview
On 7/4/2023, WO interviewed Person1 onscene after the accident. Person1 stated she was an occupant aboard the vessel at the time of explosion/fire, seated at the bow of the vessel. Person1 stated she heard a loud "boom" and turned around and saw flames towards the stern of the vessel, then jumped overboard and swam to safety.
 
On 7/17/2023, I interviewed Person1 via phone. Person1 stated she noticed an odor of gas coming from the vessel while on the water on 7/4/2023. Person1 stated that prior to leaving Two Foot, the vessel and its operator had difficulty getting the vessel started and keeping it running. Person1 stated she observed several occupants aboard that appeared to be working on the vessel motor. Shortly after that observation was when the boat ignited.
 
Interview
I interviewed Person2 on 7/4/2023 onscene. Person2 stated she was seated near the bow of the vessel prior to ignition. Person2 stated she smelled an odor of gasoline coming from the vessel while on the water that day. Person2 stated that the vessel ignited while idling outside of Two Foot Cove.
OLD HICKORY RESERVOIR
MOUNT JULIET                  