Five Bartlesville Residents Injured In Osage County Boat Fire

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says five Bartlesville residents were injured and taken to the hospital after a boat caught fire on an Osage County lake Sunday afternoon.

Troopers said the 1998 Well Craft boat was experiencing engine trouble on Bluestem Lake, northwest of Pawhuska at about 4:15 p.m.  

They said the boat's operator, 32-year-old Matthew Long tried several times to restart the engine.  During one of those attempts, the OHP says fumes in the boat engine compartment caught fire.

9/4/2016 Related Story: Multiple Injuries Reported After Boat Fire On Bluestem Lake

The OHP says 31-year-old Shaunee Long, 36-year-Karen Long, a two-year-old girl, a five-year-old girl and a one-year-old boy were injured and taken to a Tulsa hospital.  A Lifeflght helicopter flew two of the victims to the hospital, the rest were taken by ambulance.

All but the two-year-old girl were treated and released.   The trooper's report stated she suffered a hand injury.

Six other people on the boat, including the operator were not injured.  Those not injured included 40-year-old Phillip Long, 42-year-old Ray Mitten, a four-year-old girl, an eight-year-old girl, a nine-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy.

The OHP says five people on the boat were not wearing personal flotation devices.  

Troopers said the Osage County Sheriff's Office and the Pawhuska Fire Department were called to the lake as well.  

The incident happened about 60 yards east of the lake's east boat ramp.