River Thames Boat Explosion Injures Nine, Infant Suffers Life-Changing Burns

A boat explosion on the River Thames in Lechlade injured nine people, including five adults and four children aged 18 months to seven years, with an 18-month-old child suffering potentially life-changing burns. The blast occurred around midday on May 31, forcing all passengers into the water despite some being unable to swim. Two holidaymakers from Wales courageously jumped into the river to rescue those struggling, an act credited with preventing fatalities. Emergency services, including multiple police units, fire crews, ambulance teams, and RAF support, responded promptly, with three people still hospitalized in stable condition. Authorities have imposed and since lifted a cordon while investigating the cause of the explosion and recovering the damaged boat. Detective Superintendent Joe Garrity expressed gratitude to the rescuers and emergency responders, emphasizing the miraculous absence of fatalities in the tragic incident.