An investigation is underway by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) following the explosion of a boat on the Mississippi River near Prescott this past Saturday, which resulted in all 11 passengers being thrown overboard. According to a news release from the Wisconsin DNR, the incident occurred in Pierce County and incredibly, did not result in any fatalities.
The DNR's initial findings indicate that the boat operator had made two unsuccessful attempts to start the engine, and upon the third attempt, it exploded. Following the explosion, the passengers were ejected, yet all of them were successfully recovered. Of those rescued, eight required medical attention which was provided at a nearby hospital. Additionally, while efforts were being made to extinguish the boat fire, the distressed vessel collided with a nearby one, causing further fire damage before all flames were doused.
The circumstances that led to the boat's engine failure and subsequent explosion are still being scrutinized. As of now, the DNR has not disclosed any additional details concerning the cause of the incident. Furthermore, they stated that no staff are available to provide interviews at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.
