Local News
5 Injured After Boat Explosion on Lanier Islands During Fourth of July Holiday
ATLANTA, Ga. — Five individuals were hospitalized following a boat explosion and subsequent fire on Lake Lanier Thursday evening, according to Hall County Fire Rescue officials.
The incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. near Margaritaville at Lanier Islands.
Hall County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), responded to assist firefighters at the scene.
A nearby Hall County Fire Rescue boat witnessed the explosion and reached the burning vessel within minutes.
Upon arrival, crews found five individuals on board, all of whom sustained injuries.
One pediatric patient was airlifted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.
Four others were transported via ambulance — three to Grady Memorial Hospital and one to Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NEGMC) in Gainesville.
All five victims were reported to be in stable condition at the time of transport.
The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation by local authorities.
The incident occurred amid Fourth of July celebrations, drawing heightened attention due to the holiday weekend activity on the lake.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.