A devastating explosion aboard a modified pontoon boat during an unpermitted fireworks celebration left six people injured on Lake Martin Friday evening, July 4, 2025. The accident occurred near the Kowaliga Basin in Blue Creek on Lake Martin within Tallapoosa County at approximately 9:14 p.m. according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The vessel had been converted into a fireworks platform but malfunctioned during the planned celebration, resulting in an onboard explosion that injured all six occupants.

Emergency responders from ALEA's Marine Patrol Division quickly arrived on scene and immediately notified the State Bureau of Investigation Hazardous Device Unit and the Alabama Fire Marshal's Office. Two victims, William C. Davis, 39, and Aaron L. Kovak, 49, were transported to UAB Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Alan J. Simmons, 31, was taken to Lake Martin Community Hospital in Dadeville, while Johnathan R. Wilmarth, 43, Joshua A. Husted, 36, and Matthew Davila, 28, were also transported to local area hospitals. Special Agents with the Hazardous Device Unit and Deputy State Fire Marshals successfully rendered the remaining unexploded fireworks safe. The investigation is being conducted jointly between ALEA's Marine Patrol Division and the Alabama Fire Marshal's Office, with the Fire Marshal's Office leading the fireworks-related aspects of the investigation.

Location and Infrastructure

Lake Martin is a popular recreational boating destination in central Alabama, with the Kowaliga Basin area in Blue Creek being a well-known gathering spot for boaters, particularly during holiday celebrations. The lake operates under Alabama's comprehensive boating regulations, including recent proximity laws that took effect in October 2024. These regulations require boats to operate at idle speed within 100 feet of any shoreline, dock, pier, or structure, and prohibit wakeboarding and wakesurfing within 200 feet of such structures. The accident location near Kowaliga Basin is accessible by multiple boat ramps and is frequently used for recreational activities. Alabama law requires operators involved in accidents causing injury or damage exceeding $2,000 to submit accident reports to the Marine Patrol Division within 24 hours. The area falls under the jurisdiction of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Marine Patrol Division for enforcement of boating laws and accident response.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Alabama law does not require boat operators to carry liability insurance, which can complicate injury claims following boating accidents. Victims of this fireworks-related boat explosion may have legal recourse under both Alabama state law and potentially maritime law, depending on the navigability of the waters where the accident occurred. For accidents on navigable waterways like portions of Lake Martin, maritime law may apply, which uses comparative negligence rather than Alabama's contributory negligence standard. Under Alabama's contributory negligence rule, if a victim is found even slightly at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering damages, making skilled legal representation crucial.

Alabama fireworks laws permit certain consumer fireworks but require permits for larger displays and prohibit unpermitted fireworks use. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Injury victims typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Alabama. Given the complexity of fireworks regulations and boating law, victims should consult with experienced maritime or personal injury attorneys who understand both Alabama boating law and federal maritime regulations.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol Division: (334) 676-6005
• U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue: VHF Channel 16 or dial 911
• Lake Martin Community Hospital (Dadeville): Emergency services for boating injuries
• UAB Hospital: Level I trauma center for severe injuries

Traffic and Boating Safety Resources:

• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Boating Rules and Regulations
• Lake Martin Resource Association Boater Safety Programs
• Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Marine Police Division
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating Courses

Support Services and Legal Resources:

• Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office: Information on fireworks regulations and permits
• Victim Services Division, Alabama Attorney General's Office
• Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 354-6154
• Alabama Code Title 8, Chapter 17, Article 8 - Fireworks Regulations
• Maritime Law Resources for navigable waterway accidents