Girl (9) suffers serious burns in boat fire

A young girl suffered serious burns to her face, arms and body today after two explosions rocked her family's boat as it moored…

A young girl suffered serious burns to her face, arms and body today after two explosions rocked her family's boat as it moored on the River Shannon.

The six-berth boat was moored at Ballyleague close to the town of Lanesboro, which straddles counties Roscommon and Longford, when the incident occurred.

A Garda spokesman said five members of the family were on board at the time, including two young boys.

The nine-year-old girl and her mother were initially rushed to Roscommon County Hospital, but were later transferred to University College Hospital in Galway where their conditions were described as "serious but stable".

READ MORE

Her father was also assessed in hospital and released after he received minor burns.

However, the two young boys are understood to have escaped injury.

An investigation was continuing tonight into what caused the explosions.