Boat Explosion off the Port of Waukegan: Two Men Injured
On a Tuesday afternoon, a boat explosion occurred about two miles off the Port of Waukegan, resulting in serious injuries to two men. According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the explosion “engulfed” a 25-foot fiberglass boat around 3 p.m., prompting a swift response from multiple agencies.
Efforts of First Responders
The Lake County Sheriff’s Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, and Illinois Natural Resources Ministry’s emergency response teams quickly mobilized to the scene of the incident. Despite the intensity of the explosion, a bystander was able to assist the two men, aged 46 and 55, to shore before official authorities arrived. Both individuals were subsequently hospitalized due to burns and smoke inhalation.
Aftermath and Investigation
Following the explosion, the boat burned unoccupied for approximately 90 minutes before ultimately sinking. Authorities reported that the Illinois State Conservation Police will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident. The collaborative efforts of various agencies and the quick response of bystanders were crucial in mitigating the impact of the boat explosion.
