Houseboat Fire at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Injures Six

An apparent attempt to siphon gasoline between two containers triggered an explosion that injured six and destroyed this houseboat at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. NPS photo.

An effort to siphon gasoline between two containers led to an explosion that injured six -- including two with burns severe enough that they were flown to a Las Vegas burn treatment center -- and destroyed a houseboat at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

National Park Service rangers were notified about 4 p.m. Friday of the incident, which occurred in Gunsight Canyon on Lake Powell. When rangers reached the area they found the houseboat fully engulfed, according to a release from the NRA.

"Six individuals required medical evacuation and were transported by boats to Wahweap Marina. Three individuals were transported by Page (Arizona) Fire Department to Page Hospital. A fourth individual was transported by NPS ambulance to Page Hospital," said an NRA release. "Two males, a 46-year-old and an 8-year-old, were transported separately by Classic Lifeguard helicopters to the burn center in Las Vegas.

"Initial on-scene reports indicate that the fire began when a line being used to siphon fuel between two containers leaked gasoline into the boat engine compartment, causing an explosion," the release said. "The privately owned houseboat was a complete loss. The conditions of the victims are not known at this time. Several other individuals with the houseboat party were uninjured and were transported to Wahweap Marina."