Mechanical Malfunction Suspected In Boat Explosion Injuring 5 At Lake Rathbun

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says a mechanical malfunction was the likely cause of a boat motor explosion which injured 5 people at Lake Rathbun on Sunday.

The Department reports the boat engine explosion during its start-up at the Buck Creek Arm of Lake Rathbun around 3pm Sunday. One adult female received moderate to severe burns and was evacuated by helicopter to the University of Iowa Hospital. An adult male and three juveniles were taken to Mercy One in Centerville by ambulance for minor burn-related wounds.

During this busy holiday weekend, the DNR encourages boaters to keep safety in mind by wearing life jackets, designating a sober operator, and having a fire extinguisher on board.