'A Malfunction:' OHP Investigating After Boat Explosion Injures Child

An Oklahoma City child is in the hospital after a boat explosion Sunday afternoon at Lake Texoma, authorities say.

"The Oklahoma Highway Patrol responded to what initially came in as an explosion," OHP Trooper Preston Cox said.

Video from a News 9 viewer shows the aftermath of flames and smoke pouring out of the boat.

"This incident [...] It's tragic, unfortunately," Cox said.

Troopers say a man was fueling up his boat at the Bridgeview Marina on Lake Texoma, just a few miles east of Madill, on Sunday. The boat drifted out from the dock and when the driver went to start it, a spark ignited gas fumes causing the explosion.

"This is early on in the investigation, but right now, investigators do believe that there was no fault on any party and this was more of a malfunction on the engine side."

3 adults, including the driver, were on board but left unscathed.

A 5-year-old boy was also onboard, and he was airlifted to Parkland Burn Center in Dallas with burns to the arms, and legs and minor burns to his face.

"I do know the child is doing well under the circumstances right now," Cox said.

Cox says the boy is expected to be okay and they are hoping he’s released from the Dallas burn center soon.

He is also urging folks to continue keeping boat safety top of minds.

"Just be aware. Try and limit those distractions. Make sure everyone has a life vest and that they are functioning, and they fit properly," Cox said.

OHP says while investigators are confident this was an engine malfunction, there is still an ongoing investigation.