By: Jennifer Zhou

Two women were killed and three people were injured last Saturday when a fire suddenly exploded on a power boat.

All of the victims were in their 60s and the three injured persons were taken to the hospital for fire-related injuries, including burns.

Long Beach Fire Captain Jake Heflin says the fire department received news of the fire at 5:17 P.M. The fire department sent fire engines and marine safety resume boats. When they arrived at the scene, bystanders were trying to put the fire out.

Black smoke from the fire was visible from miles away as the firefighters blasted the fire with water cannons while trying to make sure the fire didn’t spread to other boats or onto the dock.

Daniel Quinn, who hosts at a nearby restaurant, said that he heard the explosion and when he looked up, he saw a giant plume of black smoke.

After putting out the fire, rescue workers moved the boat towards the dock, the boat started taking on water and is now somewhat submerged. Officials plan to remove the boat with help from a private salvage company.

Bystanders say that the pleasure craft was in the process of fueling at the time” however Heflin and his team are still investigating the exact reason. No firefighters were injured in the process, however, they will be offered mental care services in case of trauma from the experience.