FROM NEWS REPORTS
Three people were able to escape a burning boat after it caught fire on Lake Quinsigamond in Shrewsbury at approximately 4 p.m. Thursday, May 13.
The initial investigation indicates that the boaters were trying to start the 18-foot fiberglass boat close to shore when the fuel and engine ignited.
Shrewsbury Police Lake Patrol towed the burning boat to the boat ramp where it was corralled and extinguished by responding Shrewsbury Fire crews near the Corazzini Boat Ramp at the Donohue Rowing Center.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation but appears to be unintentional. Witnesses reported observing some type of engine problem that led to the sudden ignition. The boat suffered significant damage and was a total loss.