Oakland County, MI – Three people, including a Waterford Township man and two teenage boys, were seriously injured today in a boat explosion on Pontiac Lake, prompting urgent safety warnings from local authorities.
According to a release from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m. on Sunday when the 45-year-old man, his 16-year-old son, and a friend were preparing to launch their 17-foot Chris-Craft pleasure boat at the public ramp near M-59 and Williams Lake Road. The explosion allegedly happened moments after the ignition switch was turned on.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, together with the Waterford Township Fire Department, responded to the scene. By the time emergency crews arrived, the fire had reportedly burned itself out. One of the teenagers was transported to a local hospital with burns covering more than 50 percent of his body and is currently listed in critical condition. The father and his son were also hospitalized for severe burns; their conditions are reported as stable.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, and no additional details have been released regarding the specific source of the blast.
In light of the incident, officials are urging all boaters to double-check their equipment, including ensuring that fire extinguishers are present and in proper working order. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of boating safety as the summer season continues and more residents head out onto Michigan’s waterways.
Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
