Feb. 28--PORT ORCHARD -- Five people were treated for injuries Monday after a boat exploded at the Port Orchard Yacht Club.
A 55-year-old Seattle man had hired workers to help him lift the boat, which was had sunk Sunday, according to Port Orchard police officer Jerry Jensen.
When the boat owner plugged in a cord to turn the motor on, an electrical spark mixed with gas fumes and ignited the explosion, according to Jensen.
The boat owner and two others were treated at Harrison Medical Center; three people were treated at the scene by South Kitsap Fire and Rescue firefighters.
Two people had serious but not life-threatening injuries, according to Guy Dalrymple, South Kitsap Fire Rescue Battalion Chief.
The explosion destroyed the 39-foot Elco wooden boat.
There were also two other people near the area who suffered minor injuries, but were not taken to the hospital.
People who live near the marina reported the explosion shook their houses.
Copyright 2012 - Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, Wash.
