Updated: 09/27/2009 9:09 AM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: LUKE GARRISON

Boat Explodes in Inver Grove Heights

A boat exploded at River Grove Marina in Inver Grove Heights Saturday, destroying several others. Police say a man filled his house boat with 40 gallons of gas around 10:30 a.m.

At around 2:15 p.m., that man started the right engine and when he started the left engine at 2:30 p.m., he noticed flames and abandoned the boat. St. Paul Park and South Metro Fire were called to the scene to assist with their fire boats.

Four house boats and one runabout boat were completely destroyed and one other heavily damaged. Firefighters had to fight the flames from land and water. Flynt Hill Resources brought one of their boats to the scene to place booms in the water to control any spilled fuel.

Fortunately no one was hurt, and an investigation into the fire is ongoing.