An explosion rocked the tranquil Somerset village of Saltford on Monday, August 25, as a boat suddenly burst into flames at Kelston Lock. The incident occurred around 11:50 a.m., catching residents and boaters off guard.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by thick smoke billowing from the vessel. Fortunately, three individuals on board managed to escape unharmed. One witness recounted, “The explosion was sudden and loud. The fire brigade arrived quickly, but their hoses didn’t reach from the nearby riverside pub, so they dispatched a boat to tackle the blaze directly at the lock.”
The fire’s flames spread to the lock structure itself before crews from Avon Fire and Rescue Service could fully extinguish the fire. According to Avon Fire and Rescue, units from Hicks Gate, Bath, and Bedminster stations responded promptly upon receiving the emergency call at 11:57 a.m.
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“The fire is believed to have started accidentally,” the service confirmed. “No injuries were reported.”
Later in the afternoon around 3 p.m., the lock appeared to reignite. A concerned witness immediately alerted the fire service, who sent additional crews to manage the situation. The firefighters spent approximately two hours ensuring the lock was safe and fully extinguished.
The damage has rendered the lock temporarily unusable, disrupting a key waterway connection frequently used by boats traveling between Bristol and Bath. Several vessels have since been delayed due to the closure.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service continues to monitor the site, prioritizing safety and restoration efforts while investigating the cause of the fire.