The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Source: Fox News
Posted: Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:23 PM
Three People Die In Tug Boat Explosion On Tennessee River In Kentucky
Kentucky State Police say county authorities were called at 9:15 a.m. to a dock on Hollinger Road.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including four nearby fire departments, more than 10 emergency management and sheriff’s office departments.
KSP says the investigation has revealed the explosion occurred inside the docked tug-boat, which was actively being worked on. The explosion resulted in a flash fire and subsequent small fire inside the tug boat.
There were 41 people present at the time of the explosion, identified as employees of First Marine, Four Rivers Marine Coating, Hutco, and Thermal Control. The property is owned by First Marine, while the tug boat is owned by Smithland Towing.
Three people were pronounced dead. The victims have been identified as Timothy Wright, age 52, of Calvert City, Kentucky; Jerome A. Smith, age 56, of Thibodaux, Louisiana; and Quentin J. Stewart, age 41, of Opelousas, Louisiana.
Six others were injured. KSP has identified them as:
Javier Fuenes, age 21, was transported by ambulance to Marshall County Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Wilson Madrid, age 23, was transported by ambulance to Marshall County Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
James Lang was transported by ambulance to Lourdes Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Tyler Wedington was transported by ambulance to Lourdes Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Jimmy Lang was transported by helicopter to Vanderbilt for treatment of serious injuries.
Billy Counts was transported by helicopter to Vanderbilt for treatment of serious injuries.
The investigation is expected to last into the night. There is no early indication of foul play being involved in the explosion.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police Post 1 at 270-856-3721 or anonymously at 1-800-222-5555.
