UPDATE:
(Update 2) Kentucky State Police Investigating Explosion
CALVERT CITY, KY – Autopsies were completed on Saturday. Preliminary findings of those autopsies are consistent with each victim’s cause of death resulting from injuries received during the explosion.
A supervisor with OSHA was on scene Friday afternoon, and an OSHA investigator has been assigned to investigate the incident.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion is continuing with authorities from OSHA and KSP.
ORIGINAL STORY: Marshall County Emergency response crews are on scene at a reported boat explosion in Calvert City that has left at least three dead and injured six others.
Emergency crews responded about 9:17 a.m. Friday to First Marine Repair Yard on Hollanger Road at the Tennessee River outside Calvert City. Initial reports indicated multiple injuries and 20-25 victims trapped in a docked tow boat undergoing repair work at the yard. The explosion reportedly began in the lower levels of the boat as it was being worked on.
Confined Space Rescue teams responded on scene and the boat was cleared of any additional victims, but Marshall County Coroner Tracy Watwood confirmed three fatalities at the scene.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released, pending family notification.
Several others were injured and evacuated from the scene via Air Evac and local EMS services, according to Kentucky State Police. Those injuries ranged from minor to life-threatening.
KSP has taken the lead on the investigation, which troopers expect to continue into the night. U.S. Coast Guard and OSHA investigators will assist in efforts.
There is no early indication of foul play being involved in the explosion, according to a KSP statement to media.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies, including Calvert City, Palma-Briensburg, Gilbertsville, East Marshall, Possum Trot-Sharpe fire departments, Marshall County Emergency Management, Marshall County EMS, Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, Calvert City Police Department, Kentucky State Police, Livingston County EMS and Murray-Calloway County EMS and the Marshall County Coroner’s office responded on scene. The U.S. Coast Guard, Calvert Industrial Mutual Aid Program and Air Evac had also been called to the area.
Residents are asked to remain clear of the area. Additional details will be provided as they become available.
Marshall County Daily Editor Mary Garrison Minyard and Sports Editor Ann Beckett contributed to this report.
