Two Seriously Injured in Sabine River Boat Explosion

A fuel transfer operation on the Sabine River near Shell Island led to a powerful explosion on Saturday morning, leaving two people seriously injured. The incident occurred around 7:15 a.m. when a flat deck boat carrying two 250-gallon totes of gasoline from the Troy Construction shipyard in Orange exploded. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

Emergency Response & Recovery Efforts

Following the explosion, two individuals aboard the boat managed to swim to shore on their own. Once onshore, they were met by emergency responders and airlifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Their current conditions have not been released.

Officials confirmed that the explosion completely destroyed the vessel. Debris from the boat was scattered across the waterway, though authorities reported it was not obstructing channel traffic. However, the two large fuel totes were found floating in the river. Contractors have been hired to retrieve them.

Investigation Underway

Authorities are investigating the explosion to determine what caused the blast and whether all safety measures were followed. At this time, it is unknown what was receiving the fuel transfer when the explosion occurred. The findings of the investigation will be crucial in understanding what went wrong and in preventing similar incidents in the future.

The Dangers of Fuel Transfer Operations

Fuel transfers, especially those involving large quantities of gasoline, carry inherent risks due to the fuel's highly flammable and volatile nature. Proper handling and strict safety measures are essential to prevent dangerous accidents like this one.

Some key risk factors in fuel transfer explosions include:

• Vapor Accumulation – Gasoline vapors can ignite if not adequately vented, leading to explosions.
• Static Electricity – Sparks from static buildup can ignite fuel vapors if grounding procedures are not followed.
• Equipment Failure – Faulty hoses, valves, or fuel tanks can lead to leaks or uncontrolled releases of fuel.
• Human Error – Mistakes in handling or improper monitoring during fuel transfers can increase the risk of an accident.

Investigators will likely examine these factors as they work to determine the cause of this explosion.

Ongoing Updates

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and further details may emerge as the investigation progresses. The recovery of the fuel totes and the cleanup of debris are ongoing efforts to ensure safety in the waterway. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.