Jet Ski Explodes on Fourth of July

Warden John Huberty, with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks in Fort Peck, Mont., is investigating the cause of a jet ski explosion that injured two and left the jet ski completely destroyed on the afternoon of July 4 on the Missouri River near Fort Peck.

The call came into Valley County dispatch at 2:59 p.m. on Independence Day reporting that a jet ski had exploded at the boat ramp off DearBorn Road near the Roundhouse Point Campground. Emergency services dispatched Fort Peck and Long Run Fire as well as Valley County Sheriff’s Deputies. The Army Corps of Engineers and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks were also on scene to assist.

According to Huberty, the explosion occurred after a woman attempted to start the ski after putting it in the water. The vessel had started when it was taken off the trailer but had died in the water. The woman then brought the vehicle back to the dock and after many failed attempts, a male relative tried to assist her. He also failed after multiple attempts to start the vessel before it exploded, sending the top deck and seat into the air. The rider was thrown into the water and the male, who was standing on the dock, was knocked back from the explosion. Both suffered significant injuries but are expected to fully recover.

The hull of the jet ski was ignited by the explosion and burned until an observer scuttled the hull to extinguish the flames. Huberty stated that the suspected cause of the explosion was either built-up fumes from the multiple ignition attempts that accumulated in the hull and then ignited, or a major mechanical malfunction. The exact cause is still under investigation.

The hull and deck of the jet ski were recovered by the Army Corps of Engineers and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. The boat was a total loss from the explosion and resulting fire.

“Basically, it’s just an empty shell of a jet ski,” said Huberty while discussing the boat’s condition.

The two injured boaters were transported to the hospital via FMDH Stat Ambulance. The Game Warden stated that no drugs, alcohol or foul play were involved in the accident, nor was operator error a factor in causing the fire.