Three people, including an 18-month-old child, remain in hospital with serious injuries following a devastating boat explosion on the River Thames near Lechlade, Wiltshire.
The incident occurred shortly after 12:00pm on Saturday, 31 May, when emergency services were called to reports of a fire and explosion aboard a boat carrying five adults and four children, aged between 18 months and 7 years.
The boat was away from the riverbank at the time of the blast, and all nine people were thrown or jumped into the water as the vessel was engulfed by flames.
Two Suffer Life-Changing Injuries
All passengers were taken to hospital following the explosion. According to Wiltshire Police, three remain in care in a stable condition, with two – including the young toddler – suffering potentially life-changing burns.
A cordon remains in place at the site while police conduct enquiries into the cause of the explosion and oversee the recovery of the boat.
‘Heroic Bravery’ Credited with Saving Lives
Detective Superintendent Joe Garrity praised the courage of two passing holidaymakers from Wales, who immediately jumped into the Thames to rescue the stricken victims.
“It is a miracle there were no fatalities,” he said. “Much of that must be put down to the response of two holidaymakers who, with no thought for their own safety, saved lives. It was heroic bravery.”
Garrity also thanked first responders from Gloucestershire and Thames Valley Police, RAF Fairford, ambulance services, and fire crews for their swift actions.
Recovery Operation and Investigation Ongoing
The river remains partially closed in the affected area to protect other canal users and facilitate the ongoing recovery and forensic investigation.
Police have urged anyone who may have witnessed the explosion or who has relevant information to contact Wiltshire Police and quote log 129 of May 31.
