(Okoboji)– The Iowa Department of Natural Resources this (Mon.) afternoon released a few more details into Sunday’s boat explosion at a gas dock on East Lake Okoboji that injured four people.
Officials say the 1989 33-foot Sea Ray exploded after taking on 20 dollars worth of gas in each of its two tanks.
D-N-R Officer Jeff Morrison says 51-year-old Jerry Block of Lake Park turned on the ventilation blowers and went to use the onboard restroom below deck. Upon returning, Morrison says Block tried to start the portside engine, which did not respond. Morrison says the explosion took place when Block tried to start the starboard engine.
Injured in the blast were Block, 29-year-old Jenny Block of Lake Park, seven-year-old Trevor Holmes of Rockport, Missouri and 32-year-old Jason Gaines of Minneapolis. They were all taken by ambulance to Lakes Regional Healthcare. Gaines was released from the hospital sunday night; Holmes was released this (Mon.) morning. Jerry and Jenny Block remained hospitalized today (Mon.) with what was described as non-life threatening injuries.
Others involved but who were not injured were 50-year-old Chris Block of Lake Park; 32-year-old Jeremy Block of Eugene, Oregon and 31-year-old Molly Gaines of Minneapolis.
The boat was a total loss.
Officials say most of the fuel and fluids from the boat burned in the fire. They add there wasn’t enough left to cause any substantial environmental impact on the lake.
The “Handbook of Iowa Boating Laws and Responsibilities” advises boat owners with power ventilation systems to turn on the system for atleast four minutes after fueling before starting the engine to remove fumes.
The explosion took place around 1:30 p.m. Sunday at a gas dock at Parks Marina on East Lake Okoboji.
The exact cause of the blast remains under investigation. The State Fire Marshall’s Office is now assisting.
The Spirit Lake and Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire Departments assisted on the scene, along with the Lakes Area Fire and Rescue Boat.
