More Details On Norwalk Boat Explosion That Injured 2

NORWALK, CT — Two people were injured Thursday evening when a boat exploded in Norwalk Harbor, according to Norwalk police and fire officials.

The injured, the boat's owner and his wife, were transported to Norwalk Hospital for treatment. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening, though the woman suffered some burns.

Six people were on the boat, a 33-foot Egg Harbor Sportfish motor yacht, and they jump into the water when it exploded.

According to Norwalk fire officials, the explosion occurred about 100 yards from Shore and Country Club in the harbor channel.

"Two off-duty firefighters, Jim Lyons from Norwalk and Nick Marsan from Westport Fire Department, dove in the water to assist the boaters, on to the dock of the club and a nearby resident, Tony Aitoro, jumped in his boat and raced to the scene with life rings and life preservers to assist," fire officials said.

Multiple emergency responders, including members of the police Marine Unit, were called to the area by a host of 911 callers reporting the explosion. By the time they arrived the boat was engulfed in flames.

"The area around the boat was searched and secured until the Norwalk Fire Department arrived and towed the boat back to shore, where it was extinguished," police said. "The operator of the boat stated while leaving the harbor he was having issues with the engine and decided it best to turn the boat back. While heading back to the dock an explosion occurred on board and the boat became engulfed in flames."

Added fire officials, "Norwalk Firefighters responded with their two fire boats to first pull the fully involved boat from the channel and to ground it on the beach, to limit the environmental impact and keep the channel open. Once the burning boat was beached the other fireboat finished extinguishing the fire.

"A total of 24 Firefighters responded to the scene, with two fire boats, two engines, two ladder trucks, a rescue and command vehicle. Stamford's fire boat also responded for backup, as Norwalk Police maintained a safety perimeter around the incident. State environmental and conservation police as well as US Coast Guard officials were advised."