15 People Injured In Seneca Boat Fire at Spring Brook Marina

Multiple People Injured In LaSalle County Boat Explosion Accident At Spring Brook Marina In Seneca

15 People Injured In Seneca Boat Fire at Spring Brook Marina

SENECA, ILLINOIS (May 29, 2022) – At least 15 people were injured in a Seneca boat explosion and fire at the Spring Brook Marina after the boat was refueled.

LaSalle County officials are saying that the accident took place around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. A boat in the Illinois River was experiencing engine problems so it returned to the Spring Brook Marina for refueling.

After some people on the boat attempted to restart the engine, there was an explosion that set the entire boat on fire. In all, 15 people were injured and one person had to be taken to the hospital.

The victims ranged from minors to adults. An investigation into the Spring Brook Marina boat fire is being done by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Liability In Seneca Boat Fire Accidents

Boat fires are actually much more common than many people may realize. Boat fires injured hundreds of people in 2020 and caused tens of millions of dollars worth of damages. There are a number of common causes of boat fires. It has been estimated that twenty-nine percent of boat fires begin somewhere with the engine’s electrical system. This could include battery connections that are not made properly. About eleven percent of boat fires are caused by fuel leaks. There are a number of steps that should be taken in order to prevent boat fires.

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on boats.
  • The boats electrical wiring should be periodically inspected.
  • The boats cooling and exhaust systems should be inspected.
  • Boat passengers should abstain from smoking onboard.

Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous liable parties for a boat fire. All boat manufacturers have a legal responsibility to make products that are reasonably safe. They must also warn about the non-obvious dangers associated with the use of their products. If a boat fire was due to some type of defect with a boat’s fueling system, this could form the basis of a product liability claim. Victims of boat fire tend to suffer very serious injuries including:

  • Organ damage
  • Ruptured ear drums
  • First, second and third degree burns.

Any person that is injured in a boat fire may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Many victims may not realize the full extent of their injuries for several weeks or months after an accident. A personal injury attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Liability In Seneca Boat Fire Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to all of the victims of this Spring Brook Marina boat fire in Seneca. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all of the victims. It is our sincere hope that measures will be put in place to prevent similar accidents.

Do you need more information about a Seneca boat fire? Our team of boat safety experts are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.