Five Nebraskans seriously hurt after boat explosion at Lake of the Ozarks

SUNRISE BEACH, Mo. (KMIZ)

Five people from Nebraska were seriously hurt Tuesday afternoon after a boat explosion near Sunrise Beach; two were taken by helicopter to a Columbia hospital for treatment.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol boat incident report, a 2007 Searay Sun Deck was at the 10.4 mile marker of the Osage Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks when an explosion occurred at 1:45 p.m.

The incident report says a mechanical problem caused a fuel-related fire.

Cpl. Kyle Green with Troop F says the explosion was in the area of 155 Westport Circle.

James and Kari Hohenstein, Brad Vanwinkle and two children aged 12 and 16 were all seriously injured. The 16-year-old and Vanwinkle were taken by helicopter to University Hospital for treatment.

Three others were taken by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital for treatment.

A 2-year-old was taken by private vehicle to Lake Regional Hospital with minor injuries.

The people on the boat are from Gretna and Elk Horn, Nebraska.

Check back for more on this developing story on ABC 17 News.