Three people died and several others sustained major injuries, after a tug boat exploded on the Tennessee River in Kentucky, on early Friday, according to an official statement by Kentucky State Police.
The vessel was docked at a facility near Calvert City, to undergo repairing. After receiving a call at 9:17 a.m., local police along with many agencies responded to the incident.
Preliminary investigation has shown the explosion occurred inside a docked tug-boat which was actively being worked on. There is no early indication of foul play being involved in the explosion.
At the time of the accident, there were 41 people present, three of whom were pronounced dead at the scene and an numerous other people were transported by various medical service agencies for injuries received. Those injuries ranged from non-life threatening to life-threatening.
The US Coast Guard and OSHA participated in the response efforts.
The vessel, identified as the ‘William E. Strait’ has been involved in another major accident in December 2015, when it collided with the ‘Margaret Ann’, and partially sank in the Mississippi River.
Kelley and I are saddened to hear about the tragic explosion in Calvert City, Kentucky this morning. Our thoughts, support, and prayers are with the victims and families of those who were lost.
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) January 19, 2018
