Two people were injured in an explosion at Sunset Marina on Dale Hollow Lake Thursday evening. According to the Pickett County Sheriff’s Office, it happened around 5pm when a houseboat crashed into the gas dock. Sunset Marina reported on Facebook that General Manager Brad Richardson, who reportedly was on the dock, sustained 2nd Degree burns and is being treated at a Nashville hospital. The owner of the marina, Tom Allen, suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to an area hospital. The flames spread to the marina store which was destroyed, however, crews from several counties were able to save the restaurant. Customers, friends, fellow marina owners and citizens also turned out and volunteered to fight the fire, bring water, supplies and help in any way. Boats at the dock were pushed out into the lake to keep them from catching on fire. By 9pm crews had the fire down with only a few hot spots. Sunset Marina said no customer boats or slips were affected. They are thankful to everyone who helped and especially to the firefighter’s efforts that saved so much property, boats, other docks, and at least half of their main dock. Sunset Marina says it will take some time before they are back to normal operations but they will do everything in their power to complete rental boat turnovers as scheduled. (Photo courtesy former Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton Facebook)
