What should have been a lovely afternoon on the placid Lake of the Ozarks burst into a near-deadly inferno for six people on Sea Ray Sundeck boat on Tuesday afternoon. The half dozen vacationers from Nebraska were at the 10.4 mile marker on the Osage Arm of the popular waterbody when the boat exploded. All people on board were injured.
Three adults and three children were on deck when the Lake of the Ozarks boat explosion occurred. The adults have been identified as James Hohenstein, Kari Hohenstein, and Brad Vanwinkle. The other passengers have not been named because they are minors, ages 16, 12, and two. The boat was being piloted by James Hohenstein.
Most Onboard Suffer Serious Injuries
In the immediate aftermath of the Lake of the Ozarks boat explosion, emergency personnel were on the water, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The six people on the watercraft were rushed to an area medical center for emergency treatment.
All of the adults are in serious condition, according to hospital personnel. Two of the three children are also listed in serious condition. The toddler is the only person on the boat who escaped serious injuries. The toddler is said to have suffered only minor injuries. The five people with more severe injuries will be hospitalized for a yet to be determined amount of time. The toddler appears to have been examined, treated for minor injuries, and released.
Cause of Lake of the Ozarks Boat Explosion
As of the morning after the catastrophic Lake of the Ozarks boat explosion, there is no final determination as to the cause of the blast. There is some preliminary indication that the explosion was the result of some sort of mechanical breakdown or malfunction. The thinking is that the mechanical issue may have caused a fuel-related fire. Immediately after the fire ignited, the devastating explosion occurred.
The investigation into the cause of the Lake of the Ozarks boat explosion is ongoing. Officials expect to be able to confirm the cause of the fire and explosion immediately.
About the Boat
There is no official information yet available as to who owns the boat in question. The boat may have been owned by one of the people onboard. In the alternative, and as is often the case at the Lake of the Ozarks, the boat may have been rented by the vacationers for the excursion.
The watercraft is identified as a 2007 26-foot Sea Ray Sundeck boat. In the same way that there is yet no information available about the boat ownership, there is no data about any prior issues with the vessel. That information may not be immediately forthcoming inasmuch as it will require in depth investigation to ascertain whether there were any mechanical defects with the vessel. Mechanical issues involving a boat can arise for a variety of reasons including:
- Design defects
- Manufacturing defects
- Improper maintenance
- Prior incident that damage mechanicals
Your Legal Rights After a Boat Accident
If you’ve been injured in the Lake of the Ozark boat explosion or a watercraft accident of any type anywhere in the United States, The Doan Law Firm is here for you. You can reach our firm any time of the day or night by calling us at (800) 349-0000. Jimmy Doan is a nationally recognized authority on drowning cases and aquatic accidents of all types. In addition to representing clients injured in boat accidents, he oftentimes is called upon to consult with other law firms in a variety of cases resulting in serious injuries on water, like the Lake of the Ozarks boat explosion.
We can schedule an appointment for you with a Lake of the Ozark boat accident lawyer any time that is convenient for you. Not only can we schedule an initial consultation with a boat accident attorney at any one of our 40 offices located from coast to coast in the country but at your home, the hospital, or any location convenient for you. We can arrange a virtual case evaluation with a boat accident lawyer online as well. There is never a charge for an initial consultation with our legal team.
The Doan Law Firm makes an attorney fee pledge to you. We will never charge an attorney fee unless we win your case for you.
