CATAWBA CO., NC — Three people were hurt, one critically, after a boat exploded on Lake Norman in Catawba County Monday afternoon. 
Wildlife officers are investigating after they say an in-board motor exploded on a ski boat that was idling in a cove off Slanting Bridge Road in Sherrill’s Ford.
Officers say the boat had just left a restaurant when it exploded. It blew five people into the water.
One woman was airlifted to CMC, two others transported to local hospitals, and two others escaped with only minor burns.
No names have been released.
