Community Corner

UPDATE: Chesterfield Boat Explosion Victim Critical In Mercy Hospital

Explosion injures boat owner, burns dock, other boats.

Chesterfield resident Paul W. Kribs, 51, the victim of his boat exploding and burning when it wouldn't start, remains in critical condition in Mercy Hospital's burn unit, according to a late Saturday report on Stltoday.com.

Officials said Kribs seemed to be burned over at least two-thirds of his body even though he was thrown into the water by the blast 7:30pm Friday at North Shore Marina in St. Charles. He swam to shore for help.

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The marina manager was quoted as saying Kribs was experienced with boats, having had several boats in the water there over 20 years. The manager said this particular boat, a 30-foot day cruiser, was new to Kribs. It was in the slip.

Witnesses said the boat wasn't starting for Kribs, after he filled it with gas. The manager said Kribs was mechanically inclined, and was likely examining it, when it exploded.

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Three other boats were damaged in the fire, and the dock was burned up, as a result of the incident.


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