What was supposed to be a joyful July 4 celebration on Lake Lanier quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal. A cabin cruiser, roughly 23 feet long, caught fire and exploded while being towed near the popular Margaritaville resort area, leaving seven people injured.

Among the causalities were individuals ranging from a 5-year-old child to adults in their 40s. Eyewitnesses mentions a loud blast, followed by fire shooting several feet into the air. Thankfully, nearby patrol units responded within minutes after a 911 call, holding the fire before it could spread further or cause even more harm.

The Lake Lanier boat explosion leaves a July 4 holiday in flames, injuring seven people, including a child, and raising urgent safety concerns as investigators search for the cause of the blast. One person had to be airlifted due to the severity of their injuries, while others were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Administrations are still investigating what make it huge is the explosion. It’s unclear whether it was a mechanical failure, fuel leak, or something else entirely. For now, boating officials are urging the public to double-check safety measures and ensure vessels are inspected regularly, especially during peak holiday seasons.