Friday Boat Explosion in Town of LaGrange

According to a press release from the Walworth County Sheriff's Office, on Friday at about 12:30 p.m. the Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a boat explosion on Lauderdale Lake in the Town of LaGrange. Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the area, and deputies located a pontoon type barge on the shoreline off of Stewart Dr. with significant damage. Three male victims were located and medical first aid was administered by both deputies and fire/rescue personnel. One male victim was transported to a local trauma center with severe injuries, another male was treated and released, and the third male was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Walworth County Hazardous Materials Unit assisted with fuel spillage. The three males worked for a local pier service and were in the process of installing a pier when the explosion occurred. The cause of the explosion is under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, the Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. More information on this story will be given as it becomes available.