Boat Explodes At Old Bridge Marina, Man Propelled Into Water

OLD BRIDGE, NJ — There was a motorboat explosion Wednesday afternoon at a marina in Old Bridge, throwing one man into the water and injuring another, according to authorities.

Both men were pulled to safety and are currently hospitalized, police said.

Shortly before 3:30 p.m. Wednesday Old Bridge Police were dispatched to Raritan Marina, 1707 Rt. 35 in Laurence Harbor, on the report of boat explosion.

Authorities said the boat was reportedly getting gasoline when it exploded. The force of the explosion caused a 57-year-old Old Bridge man to be launched into the water, where he was pulled out by bystanders. Another man on the boat was also injured.

The submerged man sustained burns to his face and legs and was airlifted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick for immediate medical treatment, police said. The other mariner, a 47-year-old South Amboy resident, suffered injuries to his stomach and arms from glass from the blast. He was taken to Bayshore Medical Center for treatment, police said.

The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation but does not appear to be suspicious. Raritan Marina is currently closed due to the investigation.