Boat Explosion Injures Two in Piney Point

PINEY POINT, Md. (Aug. 18, 2016)—The investigation continues into a boat explosion and fire in St. Mary's County Sunday afternoon that left two people injured.

Officers responded to the Piney Point launch ramp shortly after 6 p.m. to find the incinerated shell of an 18-foot Sea Ray and six dazed passengers being tended to by local first responders.

Jimmy Francisco Gomez, 20, of Oxford, Pennsylvania, who is the boat owner, told officers that he had turned on the vessel's ventilation blower for two to three minutes before turning on the ignition. The explosion and fire did not begin until several minutes later.

Two passengers, ages 42 and 27, from Hyattsville, suffered burns and were flown to Medstar Washington Hospital Center for treatment. The remaining four passengers received minor burns and declined further treatment.

The 31-year-old vessel is believed to be a total loss.

The Maryland Fire Marshal's Office is the lead agency in the investigation.