Latest news with #LakeMartin
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Yahoo
Six people hospitalized after fireworks barge explodes on Lake Martin
A pontoon boat that law enforcement officials said had been modified to act as a fireworks launch barge exploded on Lake Martin during a July 4 fireworks show, injuring six people. The Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office confirmed the explosion in the Blue Creek area. The incident happened at 9:14 p.m. and involved "unpermitted fireworks" and an onboard explosion that injured six individuals," said Capt. Jeremy Burkett, spokesman for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The explosion resulted in injuries to William C. Davis, 39, and Aaron L. Kovak, 49, who were both taken to the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, and Alan J. Simmons, 31, who was taken to the Lake Martin Community Hospital in Dadeville for treatment, Burkett said. Johnathan R. Wilmarth, 43, Joshua A. Husted, 36, and Matthew Davila, 28, were also taken to local area hospitals for medical treatment, Burkett said. More: Interstate crash seriously injures six people in Autauga County The incident happened near the Kowaliga Basin in Blue Creek on Lake Martin. Troopers with ALEA's Marine Patrol Division responded to the scene and notified ALEA's State Bureau of Investigation Hazardous Device Unit along with Alabama Fire Marshal's Office, Burkett said. Special Agents with the Hazardous Device Unit and Deputy State Fire Marshals arrived on scene and were able to render the remaining unexploded fireworks safe, he said. ALEA's Marine Patrol Division and the Alabama Fire Marshal's Office have launched a joint investigation, with the Fire Marshal's Office serving as the lead investigating agency into the fireworks portion of the investigation. No other information about the incident was immediately released by law enforcement. This story was updated to add more information. Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@ To support his work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Fireworks barge explodes on Lake Martin
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Man remains in ICU after Alabama fireworks explosion; community starts fundraiser
Matthew Davila, 28, is in a hospital intensive care unit with severe burns after a July 4 fireworks explosion on Lake Martin. Ashley Kickliter started a GoFundMe for Davila. The community has raised $14,135 with a goal of $15,000. "He will be in the hospital for weeks receiving much-needed care before he can begin what will likely be a lengthy and difficult recovery process," Kickliter wrote on the GoFundMe. "We are raising funds to help cover his financial needs during this time so he can get the care he needs and focus on his recovery. We are truly thankful for any contributions to show love and support to Matt, who so selflessly loves and supports others daily with no expectations," Kickliter wrote. A pontoon boat that was modified to act as a fireworks launch barge exploded and injured Davila and five others. Previous coverage: Six people hospitalized after fireworks barge explodes on Lake Martin Alex Gladden is the Montgomery Advertiser's education reporter. She can be reached at agladden@ or on Twitter @gladlyalex. To support her work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Man hospitalized after July 4 Alabama fireworks explosion on Lake Martin
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Yahoo
6 People Injured After ‘Unpermitted Fireworks' Exploded on a Boat
Six people have been hospitalized after 'unpermitted fireworks' exploded on a pontoon boat in Alabama Authorities said the boat was 'modified into a fireworks platform' and 'malfunctioned' during a fireworks celebration Witnesses at Lake Martin said the boat had been launching fireworks for several minutes before the explosionA Fourth of July fireworks explosion in Alabama has resulted in the hospitalization of six people. The incident involved 'unpermitted fireworks' and occurred at about 9:14 p.m. local time on a part of Lake Martin in Tallapoosa County, according to a press release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Authorities stated that the incident involved the malfunction of a pontoon boat 'that had been modified into a fireworks platform' for a planned fireworks celebration. Those injured included William C. Davis, 39, and Aaron L. Kovak, 49 — both of whom were transported to the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital — as well as Johnathan R. Wilmarth, 43, Joshua A. Husted, 36, and Matthew Davila, 28, all of whom were transported to local hospitals for treatment, per the release. The condition of those injured is not yet known. There will be an investigation into the incident led by the Alabama Fire Marshal's Office, per ALEA. ALEA informed PEOPLE that they have no additional information to share at this time. PEOPLE additionally reached out to the Alabama Fire Marshal's Office for comment on Saturday, July 5, but did not receive an immediate response. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The fireworks display was an annual event, according to local news outlet The Outlook. The outlet reported that witnesses at the event said that the boat had been launching fireworks for several minutes when one exploded low and near the vessel, at which point the boat appeared to catch fire. At least three medical helicopters were utilized to transport victims to local hospitals, per The Outlook and ABC 33-40. In addition to details regarding the incident, ALEA shared multiple fireworks safety tips in their statement to the public, including 'never launch fireworks from boats unless specifically permitted and equipped with proper safety measures,' and 'secure your fireworks setup to prevent tipping or misfires due to wind or movement.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Yahoo
6 People Injured After ‘Unpermitted Fireworks' Exploded on a Boat
Six people have been hospitalized after 'unpermitted fireworks' exploded on a pontoon boat in Alabama Authorities said the boat was 'modified into a fireworks platform' and 'malfunctioned' during a fireworks celebration Witnesses at Lake Martin said the boat had been launching fireworks for several minutes before the explosionA Fourth of July fireworks explosion in Alabama has resulted in the hospitalization of six people. The incident involved 'unpermitted fireworks' and occurred at about 9:14 p.m. local time on a part of Lake Martin in Tallapoosa County, according to a press release from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Authorities stated that the incident involved the malfunction of a pontoon boat 'that had been modified into a fireworks platform' for a planned fireworks celebration. Those injured included William C. Davis, 39, and Aaron L. Kovak, 49 — both of whom were transported to the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital — as well as Johnathan R. Wilmarth, 43, Joshua A. Husted, 36, and Matthew Davila, 28, all of whom were transported to local hospitals for treatment, per the release. The condition of those injured is not yet known. There will be an investigation into the incident led by the Alabama Fire Marshal's Office, per ALEA. ALEA informed PEOPLE that they have no additional information to share at this time. PEOPLE additionally reached out to the Alabama Fire Marshal's Office for comment on Saturday, July 5, but did not receive an immediate response. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The fireworks display was an annual event, according to local news outlet The Outlook. The outlet reported that witnesses at the event said that the boat had been launching fireworks for several minutes when one exploded low and near the vessel, at which point the boat appeared to catch fire. At least three medical helicopters were utilized to transport victims to local hospitals, per The Outlook and ABC 33-40. In addition to details regarding the incident, ALEA shared multiple fireworks safety tips in their statement to the public, including 'never launch fireworks from boats unless specifically permitted and equipped with proper safety measures,' and 'secure your fireworks setup to prevent tipping or misfires due to wind or movement.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Yahoo
Fireworks barge explodes on Lake Martin causing multiple injuries
A fireworks launch barge exploded on Lake Martin Friday night during a fireworks show, causing several injuries. The Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office confirmed the explosion in the Blue Creek area. The Alexander City Outlook reported that at least five people were injured. Fireworks had been launched from the barge for several minutes when one charge exploded low near the boat, causing the barge to burn while it remained afloat for several minutes, the Outlook reported. Some of the injured were taken to area hospitals by helicopter, the Outlook reported. More: Interstate crash seriously injures six people in Autauga County The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Marine Police division was on the lake patroling during the show. The marine police are investigating the incident and had released no other information by 5:30 a.m. Saturday. This is a breaking and will be updated. Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@ To support his work, please subscribe to the Montgomery Advertiser. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Fireworks barge explodes on Lake Martin
