One injured when McHenry Co. sheriff's patrol boat explodes

A McHenry County Sheriff's patrol boat exploded at a McHenry marina Tuesday afternoon, causing serious injuries to a mechanic checking it for problems.

The 42-year-old mechanic, whose name was not disclosed, was flown by Flight for Life to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge with a head injury, burns to the face and a leg injury, police said. His condition was not immediately known.

The explosion occurred about 1:30 p.m. after members of the sheriff's Marine Unit noticed a strong odor of gasoline on board the boat, a 1999 Almar, while patrolling the Fox River near the McHenry Dam.

Deputies pulled the board into D's Marine Services, 3308 Waukegan Road, McHenry, to have it checked, police said. Shortly after the deputies exited and the mechanic climbed aboard, the boat suddenly exploded, according to police.

A new engine had just been installed on the boat and Tuesday was the first day it was used, said McHenry Police Deputy Chief John Jones. "It doesn't look like any foul play was involved. Early indications are that it's a mechanical situation."

A condition on the mechanic was not available.

McHenry Police and the McHenry County Sheriff's department are investigating.