1 burned in boat fire at Lake Pleasant

LAKE PLEASANT - The Maricopa County Sheriff's Department says a 19-year-old man suffered second degree burns to his arms and legs when a boat exploded on Lake Pleasant late Monday afternoon.

Sheriff's officials said four people were on board the boat when it caught fire, but three escaped injury.

Officials said the people on board jumped in the water to save their own lives. The 19-year-old was last to jump ship because he was afraid to swim.

Passengers on the boat told ABC15 they had just filled the boat tank up with gas. When they got out in the middle of the water, the boat exploded and within minutes was engulfed in flames.

"I just heard a loud boom and it shattered my teeth," said Mikal Benion who was onboard with his father, brother and his friend who was burned. "I woke up on the canopy and heard my dad yelling at me to get off the boat."

The burn victim was transported to a local hospital. There is no word on his condition.

The boat was tugged back to the dock area to see if it can be repaired.

Investigators don't know what caused the explosion.