TWRA releases statement on Boone Lake fireworks mishap

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has released a statement regarding the Fourth of July fireworks incident on Boone Lake. Reports of injuries were recieved during a fireworks display on Boone Lake after multiple fireworks went off on a barge. The official report said that at around 9:49 p.m. on July 4 eight individuals were shooting consumer grade fireworks from a work barge owned by Boone Lake Marina. During the display, sparks ignited a cache of fireworks on the barge resulting in an explosion. Individuals on board jumped into the water and were picked up by nearby boats. Two individuals were seriously injured, with 6 more receiving minor injuries. TWRA said they took statements and basic information, but will not conduct and investigation because “the incident occurred on a commercial work barge, did not involve recreational vessels, and no boating safety violations were identified.”