Boat Fire - Laconia, Lake Winnipesaukee

On Saturday, July 27, 2019 at approximately 3:51 PM, New Hampshire State Police – Marine Patrol received a call from a person reporting a boat explosion and fire in the Weirs on Lake Winnipesaukee in the City of Laconia. The caller stated that the vessel was fully engulfed in flames and multiple people were in the water.

Upon arrival, everyone was out of the water. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 1993 25' Formula powerboat owned by Jason Johnson, age 39 of Derry, NH with six passengers had just finished fueling. After multiple attempts to start the boat, there was a loud explosion followed by a fire. The passengers jumped into the water where they were helped to safety by witnesses and other passengers. Two people operating personal watercrafts pulled the boat from the dock and towed it into the lake away from the fuel dock and other nearby vessels.

The injured passengers were transported to Lakes Region General Hospital for treatment. Two juveniles and a thirty-six year old female were treated and released for minor cuts and bruises. A sixty-seven year old male, who was also a passenger, was treated and released with a broken rib and minor lacerations.

Emergency responders included NH State Police- Marine Patrol, Laconia Police Department, Laconia Fire Department, Gilford Fire Department, and the Meredith Fire Department.

The cause of the accident is under investigation. Anyone who has further information related to this accident or who witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact Sgt. Seth Alie at (603) 227-2117 or by email at Seth.Alie@dos.nh.gov.