MADILL, Okla. — Kami Elkins and her family went from shock to fear in just a matter of minutes. They were on a boat on Lake Texoma when they saw clouds of smoke.
“We’d seen something that was in smoke. And the closer we got, we realized that it was a boat,” said Elkins.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol said on Sunday afternoon, a boat caught fire shortly after its operators put fuel in it and started the engine. It happened near the Bridgeview Marina in Madill, Oklahoma.
“It was scary to see because it was right at where the gas pumps are to like where you dock and gas up. So, we were concerned about it being so close to that, and then blowing up that and then taking out all the boats that were in the docks next to it,” said Elkins.
She was on another boat and took video as the fire spread. “We weren't aware that there had been anybody there at that point in time,” said Elkins. “We were trying to get as close as we could. We were going to try to give them our fire extinguishers and help, but we weren't for sure if or when the boat would explode.”
OHP said a spark ignited gasoline fumes which caused an explosion. “They ended up drawing from the lake trying to draw out more water to be able to have more water to put out the boat,” said Elkins.
OHP told WFAA four people from Oklahoma were on the boat including a 5-year-old boy. That child was taken to Dallas’ Parkland Hospital with injuries to his arms and legs and minor burns to his face. No one else was injured. “I couldn't imagine, you know, my kid being on a boat and trying to get them off the boat,” said Elkins.
Investigators said 51-year-old Brandon Cox was operating the boat. The two other adult passengers were identified as 51-year-old Teresa Smith and 25-year-old Jordan Neal. All three were not injured. “It scared me really bad, knowing that I was out there with my own kids and that could happen to anybody at any point in time,” said Elkins.
Two photos showed what remained of the boat before parts began to sink. “It breaks my heart for the family. It breaks my heart for him,” said Elkins. “We're willing to help them with anything that they may need help with.”
OHP said it is still early in their investigation, but they believe the fire was caused by equipment malfunction and not human error. They also said the 5-year-old boy was not in critical condition.
