JOHNSTON, Iowa (AP) — State officials are investigating a boat explosion in central Iowa that injured three people over the Memorial Day weekend.

The explosion happened late Monday afternoon on Saylorville Lake, north of Des Moines, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday in a news release. Investigators said gas fumes had accumulated in the engine compartment of the boat and ignited when the boat was started, causing the explosion.

There were eight people aboard the boat at the time of the explosion, officials said. Two were treated for minor burns at the scene, and one passenger was taken to a hospital with serious burns.

State officials said boat operators with inboard motors should run the blower system before starting the boat to prevent such explosions and fire.

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