ROOSEVELT LAKE, Wash. – A family tradition at Roosevelt Lake turned tragic when a boat explosion left five family members with severe burns. After the incident, a grandmother has been clinging to hope as her loved ones recover in Seattle.
“The screams from that day will stay with her forever,” Lori Marchand, who witnessed the explosion, said.
It was a calm Tuesday on Jones Bay when Lori, her husband Shawn Marchand and over a dozen family members were enjoying their annual lake trip. This tradition has allegedly been a part of their lives for more than 20 years.
The day took a devastating turn when Shawn brought three children for a quick ride to deliver gas. Moments later, an explosion occurred. All five passengers, including two toddlers, were engulfed in flames. Chaos erupted as the family frantically tried to save everyone on board.
Despite the severity of the situation, each of them survived. They are now recovering from their injuries at Harborview’s Burn Center. The Marchand family is leaning on their faith and each other as they begin what will be a long road to recovery.
The cause of the explosion remains unknown.
