- The tugboat explosion occurred on the Tennessee River around 9am on Friday
- Three people were pronounced dead at the scene while six others were taken to hospital for treatment with injuries from non-life threatening to life-threatening
- No cause for the explosion has been determined but early reports suggest an exploding boiler is to blame
- Authorities said the watercraft was docked and being repaired at the time
Officials say a tugboat exploded on the Tennessee River in Kentucky, killing three people and injuring six others.
Kentucky State Police said the explosion was reported around 9am on Friday and that there was no early indication of foul play in the incident.
Sheriff Kevin Byars told the West Kentucky Star that multiple agencies are on scene at First Marine Dry Dock Boat and Barge Repair, and responders were working to contain the fire on the vessel and rescue people trapped inside.
Three people were pronounced dead at the scene in Calvert City while six others were taken to hospital for treatment with injuries from non-life threatening to life-threatening.
Officials say a tugboat exploded on the Tennessee River in Calvert City, Kentucky, around 9am on Friday, killing three and injuring six others (scene above)
No cause for the explosion has been reported yet, but preliminary reports suggest an exploding boiler on the boat is to blame (scene above)
According to Marshall County Emergency Management Captain Justin Harris, the boat – which has been identified at the William F Straight – exploded while it was docked and being repaired.
No cause for the explosion has been reported yet. Preliminary reports are that an exploding boiler on the boat is suspected.
The US Coast Guard was called to the scene for a water search and KSP says an investigator with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expected to arrive later in the day. Fire boats have been called in from local fire departments.
The US Coast Guard was called to the scene for a water search and KSP says an investigator with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is expected to arrive later in the day (pictured, map view of the explosion site)
Residents were asked to avoid the industrial area of town for the foreseeable future as multiple agencies are responding.
The investigation is expected to go on into the night hours.
Authorities are in the process of notifying the families of the deceased. Police said once this has been done, their information will be released to the public.