Boat explodes on Lake Lanier; 7 people injured

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HALL COUNTY, Ga. - Seven people were taken to the hospital with burns after their boat exploded on Lake Lanier, according to the Hall County Sheriff's Office.

What we know:

The explosion happened around 7 p.m. near the Margaritaville at Lake Lanier Islands.

Deputies say a 23-foot cabin-cruiser was being towed in Landshark Cove when it suddenly burst into flames. The victims, who range in age from as old as 45 to as young as 5, received second and third degree burns. Two were taken to Grady Memorial in Atlanta while the rest were treated at local area hospitals.

The person operating the boat managed to rescue all seven people and brought them to paramedics at Margaritaville, deputies said.

What we don't know:

The names of the victims or what might have caused the explosion have not been released. 

Dig deeper:

A second boat exploded in Union County on Friday. 

The incident happened on July 4, shortly after a vessel had fueled up at Cozy Cove Marina in Union County. After idling away from the dock, the boat’s engine cut off. When the occupants tried to restart it, the vessel exploded.

You can read about all the boating incidents the DRN reported on July 4 here.