Boat fueling explosion injures five in Shell Knob

July 17, 2019
Charlea Estes-Jones
A fueling explosion at the Kings River Marina left four people on a boat and one bystander injured on Saturday, July 13. According to the Missouri State Water Patrol, a 1995 Cuddy Cabin Boat had fueled up at the marina, and when the driver started the key, the boat exploded.
According to information released by the Central Crossing Fire Department, it was reported the boat was having difficulty starting, and it was a short time after that the explosion occurred. Two people on the boat suffered moderate injuries, and two people on the boat suffered minor injuries. All four were taken to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for their injuries. Felicia C. Tudor, 62, of Verona, and Virginia A. Zielinski, 55, of Aurora, both suffered moderate injuries. Norman D. Tudor, 63, of Verona, and Kenneth A. Zielinski, 59, of Aurora, suffered minor injuries.
One of the occupants on the boat was flown by helicopter for injuries, according to Central Crossing Fire. They also said a fifth person on the dock sustained minor injuries from the blast but refused treatment at the scene.
None of the occupants on the boat were wearing safety devices at the time.
The explosion happened at approximately 12:35 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. Central Crossing was dispatched to the scene at 1:15 p.m. where they immediately initiated patient care. Fire attack by land followed patient care, and the crew had the fire under control in about 15 minutes. Units were cleared from the scene by 2:20 p.m.
Central Crossing Fire Department worked with mutual aid from Mercy EMS, Eagle Rock Golden Mano Fire Department, Mercy Lifeline, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Park Rangers, Missouri Highway Patrol, the Barry County Sheriff's Department and Barry County E9-1-1.
Central Crossing Fire released the following statement: "Last but not least, we wish to extend out thanks and a job well done to the awesome marina staff and members of the public for their assistance today. Many fire extinguishers were used, fuel shut offs and safeties were activated, patients were removed from harm’s way and care was provided until EMS arrived."
The boat was towed from the scene by Tow Boat US in Shell Knob.
Charlea Estes-Jones
A fueling explosion at the Kings River Marina left four people on a boat and one bystander injured on Saturday, July 13. According to the Missouri State Water Patrol, a 1995 Cuddy Cabin Boat had fueled up at the marina, and when the driver started the key, the boat exploded.
According to information released by the Central Crossing Fire Department, it was reported the boat was having difficulty starting, and it was a short time after that the explosion occurred. Two people on the boat suffered moderate injuries, and two people on the boat suffered minor injuries. All four were taken to Mercy Hospital in Springfield for their injuries. Felicia C. Tudor, 62, of Verona, and Virginia A. Zielinski, 55, of Aurora, both suffered moderate injuries. Norman D. Tudor, 63, of Verona, and Kenneth A. Zielinski, 59, of Aurora, suffered minor injuries.
One of the occupants on the boat was flown by helicopter for injuries, according to Central Crossing Fire. They also said a fifth person on the dock sustained minor injuries from the blast but refused treatment at the scene.
None of the occupants on the boat were wearing safety devices at the time.
The explosion happened at approximately 12:35 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. Central Crossing was dispatched to the scene at 1:15 p.m. where they immediately initiated patient care. Fire attack by land followed patient care, and the crew had the fire under control in about 15 minutes. Units were cleared from the scene by 2:20 p.m.
Central Crossing Fire Department worked with mutual aid from Mercy EMS, Eagle Rock Golden Mano Fire Department, Mercy Lifeline, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Park Rangers, Missouri Highway Patrol, the Barry County Sheriff's Department and Barry County E9-1-1.
Central Crossing Fire released the following statement: "Last but not least, we wish to extend out thanks and a job well done to the awesome marina staff and members of the public for their assistance today. Many fire extinguishers were used, fuel shut offs and safeties were activated, patients were removed from harm’s way and care was provided until EMS arrived."
The boat was towed from the scene by Tow Boat US in Shell Knob.