TWO people were injured when a boat exploded at Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto on Saturday.
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A 40-year-old man suffered burns and a possible fractured ankle, while his 38-year-old wife suffered burns, and two fractured ankles.
A witness described a "fireball" that rose to 15 metres shooting out of the 24-foot twin engined vessel, about 10.30am.
The man was blown out of the boat by the explosion, while his wife remained inside.
Witnesses carried the pair onto shore while onlookers worked quickly to extinguish the fire, which was still smouldering when firefighters arrived.
Paramedics worked on the pair for half an hour before taking them to John Hunter Hospital.
The explosion is believed to have been caused by fuel vapours building up near the motor.
"It appears to be an ignition from a build-up of fuel vapours underneath the floor," Fire and Rescue NSW Toronto station officer Scott Morgan said.
He said the boat was considered to be a write-off due to cracks in the hull caused by the explosion but the motor could be saved.