Operator was attempting to start a Kawasaki Jet Ski that was tied up to a dock in the harbor with a can of ether. The jet ski exploded sending Operator into the air and landed back down on the jet ski.  The Cedar Rapids Fire Department was on scene quickly as they were training with COs 1 and 2 on the river.  

By the time I arrived on scene Operator had already been transported to St Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids.  I met officers 1 and 2 and Darrah’s Towing at the dock.  Darrah’s lifted the jet ski on to a roll back wrecker and transported the jet ski to their facility in Hiawatha.  The jet ski had the top portion blown apart from the explosion.  

I met with Operator and his wife on August 9th to discuss what had happened.  Operator did not remember anything after the explosion.  He remembered spraying the ether in the machine to try and get it started and that was about all he could recollect.  He was going to take the jet ski back to the owner as Operator had been interested in buying it.
Cedar River - Ellis Park
Cedar Rapids                  