Crime & Safety
Jet Ski Explodes Near Snell Isle, Injuring Rider
Investigators say that the explosion may have been triggered by a leak in the fuel system and sparked by the ignition process.
A 21-year-old man was injured Thursday when the Kawaski Jet Ski he was riding exploded, ejecting him into the waters off Snell Isle.
Investigators say that the explosion may have been triggered by a leak in the fuel system and sparked when he started the engine.
St. Petersburg Police report that Pedro A. Velez of Kissimmee was riding a friend's 2004 Kawasaki Jet Ski near the entrance to Smack's Bayou by Snell Isle after noon Thursday, Aug. 8.
According to investigators, Velez shut off the Jet Ski as he waited for a friend on another personal watercraft to catch up with him.
When Velez re-started the watercraft, it blew up, sending Velez into the water.
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue responded to the scene, and removed Velez from the water with the help of a boater nearby.
He was transported to Bayfront Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The damaged Jet Ski was picked up by the owner, Jerald Murphy.
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