Two men, one woman and a teenage boy all suffered burns in the explosion on the boat moored near to the Angel Inn, Severn Side, Stourport-on-Severn at 7.30am on Thursday evening reports YBW.com
The teenager was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham with major burns to his hands and face. A man in his 60s suffered flash burns to the face, while another man suffered superficial burns to the neck and arms. The woman received burns to her arms.
A spokeswoman said: “When crews arrived they found a boat which had reportedly suffered a gas explosion on board.
“There were four people on board the boat at the time of the explosion.
“A teenage boy, believed to be 17-years-old, suffered the most serious injuries with significant burns to his hands and face.”
Victims were given burns care on scene by ambulance staff before being taken to Worcester Royal Hospital for further treatment.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said two ambulances, a responder paramedic, two senior paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with trauma doctor on board, attended the scene.
Read more at YBW here
In Ireland, Bord Gáis Networks has provided guidance for keeping aware of the dangers of fumes from gas or fuel-powered generators, heaters or cookers.
Boaters are urged to think of the appliances on their vessels and whether they burn fuel oil, gas, LPG, wood or coal, which all produce carbon monoxide by burning.
Carbon monoxide becomes a hazard when there is not enough air flow to burn the fuel properly - more likely in an enclosed space such as a boat cabin - so ventilation is very important.
Make sure all flues and exhaust outlets are clear and ventilated, and ensure any appliances used are suitable for boats and serviced annually by a qualified agent.
Boat-owners are reminded of the good practice of installing a carbon monoxide alarm, and to know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning - which include headache and dizziness, leading to loss of judgement, nausea, possible convulsions and elevated heartbeat.
