Person injured in reported jet ski explosion on Lake Norman

MOORESVILLE, NC (WBTV) - One person was injured during what officials say was a severe jet ski explosion Lake Norman Tuesday evening.

The incident happened around 5 p.m. near Great Point Drive in Mooresville. Iredell EMS confirmed the person injured was taken to Lake Norman Regional Medical Center in critical but stable condition. The victim was later airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center-Main.

The victim's whose name has not been released was identified as a 59-year-old man.

A NC Wildlife Enforcement official says the victim had just pushed off the dock and attempted to crank the jet ski when it exploded. He was rescued out of the water by his son and taken to the shore.

According to officials, he was wearing a life jacket which kept him afloat long enough to be rescued.

NC Wildlife officials said Wednesday they believe the fuel line became disconnected from the tank, which allowed fumes to build. When the engine was started, it backfired and caused the explosion.

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