EPA Responds To IL Boat Explosion, Cause Still Under Investigation

ILLINOIS — Officials believe the boat explosion that injured 15 people — one seriously — in LaSalle County over the weekend happened inside the vessel.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said 17 people were on board the 40-foot boat Saturday afternoon, and it had just completed fueling when the explosion happened at Spring Brook Marina in Seneca.

"Based on interviews and a review of video footage, authorities say it appears the explosion happened from inside the vessel," IDNR said in a statement on social media.

Thirteen people on the boat were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, and one was flown to a Chicago hospital with critical injuries. A marina employee was also taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

On Sunday, IDNR said the Illinois River remained open to other boats, but officials with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were at the scene assisting with recovery. The boat and debris were being removed from the river, state police said.

The Illinois Conservation Police are leading the investigation, with assistance from the Illinois State Police and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Officials are not releasing the names of those involved in the boat explosion, IDNR said.