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12:51 a.m. • 5-26-13

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Posted: May 27, 2010
Updated: May 28, 2010

Family injured in explosion at Falls Lake

Sky 5 hovers over Falls Lake boat explosion

Family injured in explosion at Falls Lake

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Durham, N.C. — Durham County sheriff's authorities said a family of six was injured early Thursday evening in an explosion at a Falls Lake marina.

Authorities said the family, which included two children, was filling up a boat with gas shortly before 6 p.m. and left the engine running.

That created a spark, causing the explosion at Rollingview Marina at 3940 Falls Lake Road.

Mike Driscoll said he and some friends were walking by and heard the explosion. They immediately started helping the family get off the boat. He said at least two family members had burns on their legs.

“One lady had burns all down the front of her leg, probably a half dozen on each leg,” he said.

The family was taken to Duke University Hospital with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening, authorities said.

Marcus Gooch, whose family owns the marina, said the force of the explosion shook a store about 100 yards away.

Reporter: Ken Smith
Photographer: Greg Hutchinson
Web Editor: Kathy Hanrahan

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25 Comments

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Latest Comments

you run your blowers...not bilge pump

cary1969
May 28, 2010 4:42 p.m.

Boater safety courses should be mandatory in this state. There is absolutely no reason for this to happen. Simple safety precautions, that most boaters know, would have prevented this.

RocknRollDoctor
May 28, 2010 2:06 p.m.

I see a lot of people filling their cars while it is running.

runinlat
May 28, 2010 1:11 p.m.

Knowing that this wasn't a deadly accident, but certainly serious, I'm tempted not to pen this opinion, but they will most likely live to see other days on the lake. But, can you imagine the first words from the wife to the husband... "I TOLD YOU TO TURN THE MOTOR OFF!!!" Take my advice, listen to the voice of reason. She knows what she is talking about.

johnnyboy
May 28, 2010 12:50 p.m.

Can't believe they were filling the tank with the motor running, and without the bilge pump running.

When you fill the tanks of a cabin cruiser, the gas fumes CAN seep into the bilge (the bottom of the boat beneath the deck). The bilge pumps pump that out, along with any water that may have seeped into it.

One of the first things you learn after buying a boat is to keep the bilge pump running when you're filling up with gas, and to let it run for 5-10 minutes BEFORE you start the engines.

But because there are no usage and driving tests for boats, one doesn't learn unless a seasoned boater teaches them that, and then things like this happen.

Praying for the family.

God bless.

RB