Available 
Haysville, KS (April 17, 2026) – A jet ski engine explosion injured a one-year-old boy and a 28-year-old man on Tuesday, April 14, at a residence on South Lamar in Haysville. Emergency units were dispatched at approximately 4:13 p.m. after reports of an explosion and screaming coming from the area.
The baby had been sitting on the jet ski when the engine blew up. The force of the blast threw him a significant distance, with responders estimating the fall height at more than twice the child’s height. He had visible trauma to his forehead, bleeding from his tongue, and was also treated for inhalation burns.
The adult male was thrown roughly 20 feet by the blast. Both patients were triaged as code yellow, meaning their injuries were considered non-life-threatening at the time of assessment.
A fire was also reported at the scene when emergency units arrived. Both patients were taken to a trauma center for further care.
The incident remains under review by authorities. We are thinking of both the child and the adult as they receive medical care.
What Are the Risks of Jet Ski and Personal Watercraft Engine Failures in Kansas?
Personal watercraft engines can fail or explode when fuel vapors build up in an enclosed engine compartment without adequate ventilation. This is especially dangerous during startup, when the engine draws fuel, and any trapped vapors can ignite suddenly. The force of such an explosion can be severe, often throwing nearby people with significant force.
Young children face a greater risk in these situations because their smaller bodies are more vulnerable to both blunt force and inhalation of smoke or combustion byproducts. Even a brief exposure to burning fuel vapor can cause airway irritation or burns that require specialized medical attention. Watercraft safety guidelines recommend always ventilating the engine compartment before starting and keeping young children at a safe distance during any startup procedure.
