LAKE HAVASU CITY — Authorities say a boat exploded during a personal watercraft competition on Lake Havasu, injuring eight people aboard.
Lake Havasu City fire Battalion Chief Michael Quijada says in a news release that five people were taken to hospitals with burns Saturday night.
Officials say hundreds of people were watching the watercraft trick contest at the International Jet Sports Boating Association World Finals when witnesses reported the loud explosion in the pleasure boat's engine compartment.
Quijada says the force of the blast blew the engine hatch about 50 feet into the air. He says the fire burned itself out and everyone aboard got to shore before emergency crews arrived.