RIPLEY, Ohio – Two children airlifted to a hospital following a boat explosion and fire in Brown County sustained minor injuries, as reported by the Ripley Fire Department.
Officials from the fire department stated that both children were treated at a local hospital and have since been discharged by early Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred near Eagle Creek Marina, situated off Elk Drive and U.S. 52 in Ripley, a location connected to the Ohio River in southern Brown County.
Reports indicated that the children sustained burns when the boat’s motor exploded, according to a Brown County dispatch supervisor and the fire department. The juveniles were accompanied by two adults/guardians during the incident, but their ages have not been disclosed.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has initiated an investigation into the boat explosion, as confirmed by an agency representative on Sunday.
In situations like this, where minors are involved, investigations aim to determine the cause of the explosion and fire to prevent similar incidents in the future. The swift response from first responders undoubtedly played a crucial role in providing immediate medical care to the injured children.
Safety regulations and guidelines regarding boat maintenance and operation are crucial to ensure the well-being of individuals out on the water. Authorities will likely continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the explosion to address any safety lapses that may have occurred.