Unpermitted Fireworks on Lake Martin Vessel, Six Injured in Tallapoosa County Explosion

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY, AL – A single vessel-related incident involving unpermitted fireworks resulted in an explosion that injured six individuals on Lake Martin Friday, July 4, at approximately 9:14 p.m. The incident involved a pontoon boat that had been modified to serve as a fireworks platform, which malfunctioned during a planned celebration near the Kowaliga Basin in Blue Creek.

The catastrophic onboard explosion resulted in injuries to six men who were subsequently transported to various medical facilities. William C. Davis, 39, and Aaron L. Kovak, 49, were transported to the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. Alan J. Simmons, 31, received treatment at Lake Martin Community Hospital in Dadeville. Additionally, Johnathan R. Wilmarth, 43, Joshua A. Husted, 36, and Matthew Davila, 28, were also transported to local area hospitals for medical treatment.

The incident occurred on Lake Martin within Tallapoosa County. Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division were the initial responders to the scene. Their assessment prompted notification of ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) Hazardous Device Unit and the Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office. Special Agents with the Hazardous Device Unit, alongside Deputy State Fire Marshals, arrived on scene to secure the area and successfully render any remaining unexploded fireworks safe.

This will be a joint investigation conducted by ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division and the Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office. The Fire Marshal’s Office has been designated as the lead investigating agency concerning the fireworks portion of the inquiry. Authorities have indicated that no further details are available as the investigation remains active and ongoing.