Man burned in West Sac boat explosion
By Chelsea Phua -
cphua@sacbee.com
Last Updated 8:27 pm PDT Friday, October 26, 2007
A boat explosion in West Sacramento around 5:30 p.m. Friday sent man to hospital with second-degree burns to his face and forearms, authorities said.
The incident happened at the Sherwood Harbor Marina and RV Park on South River Road, sending a plume of black, heavy smoke that rose 300 to 400 feet into the sky.
West Sacramento Fire Division Chief Dave Sherlock said man, whose identity has not been released, was conscious and talking when paramedics arrived.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion but witnesses said the man was pumping fuel into his boat and may have spilled some onto the dock as he moved his boat battery.
A mechanic working on a nearby boat heard the explosion, came outside and saw the man standing in shock and watching his boat burn, Sherlock said.
The boat, a 28-foot cabin cruiser, suffered total damage, Sherlock said. Three other boats nearby also suffered some damages when the fire spread.
The boat was about 300 feet down river from the access ramp and Sherlock said firefighters had difficulty operating on the narrow, slippery dock.