BRITISH TEEN, 16, DIES AFTER HORROR BOAT EXPLOSION DURING FAMILY HOLIDAY IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

A British teenager has died after suffering devastating injuries when a tourist boat exploded during a family holiday in the Dominican Republic.

Abigail “Abbie” Lainton, 16, from Swindon, Wiltshire, was among the passengers aboard a boat returning from the popular Saona Island on July 27 when disaster struck.

The vessel was carrying around 35 people when passengers reportedly heard a sudden loud “pop” before an explosion tore through the boat.

“EVERYTHING STARTED FLYING”

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as smoke and flames spread across the vessel.

Passenger Gisell Segovia recalled hearing a loud noise before people and pieces of the boat were thrown from their seats.

Her husband, Navin Torres, said the front of the vessel suddenly exploded and flames began spreading across the boat.

Passengers were forced into the water as other boats rushed to help.

Authorities later said 24 people were injured, with 11 requiring hospital treatment. Abbie’s two siblings, Carley and Bradley, were also injured.

ABIGAIL SUFFERED SEVERE BURNS

Abbie suffered first- and second-degree burns across approximately 60% of her body.

She was rushed to hospital following the incident, but her condition deteriorated.

Three days after the explosion, on July 30, she sadly passed away.

Her body has since been returned to the UK.

A preliminary inquest in Salisbury heard that her cause of death was septic shock associated with septicaemia and pulmonary edema. The full inquest has been adjourned to a later date.

“SHE HAD HER WHOLE LIFE AHEAD OF HER”

Family friend Becky Jamieson described Abbie as a much-loved teenager who had her whole future ahead of her.

She had been preparing to receive her GCSE results and spend the summer with friends.

A fundraising campaign established to support Abbie’s family has received thousands of pounds in donations.

Those who knew her have remembered her as a bright young girl whose life was tragically cut short.

PASSENGERS RAISE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BOAT

Survivors have also described worrying conditions before the explosion.

Gisell said the boat smelled strongly of gasoline and appeared overcrowded, although passengers were reassured by the crew that the vessel was safe.

Navin recalled that the boat suddenly accelerated to keep up with other vessels shortly before passengers heard the loud “pop.”

The exact cause of the explosion remains a matter for authorities to establish.

A FAMILY HOLIDAY TURNS INTO TRAGEDY

What began as a family vacation in the Caribbean ended in unimaginable heartbreak.

Abbie’s siblings were also injured, while other passengers were left physically injured and deeply traumatised by the incident.

For the people who witnessed those terrifying moments, the memory of the explosion is likely to remain with them for years.

For Abbie’s family, however, the tragedy is far more personal.

She was only 16, with her future still ahead of her.

Now her loved ones are left remembering a daughter, sister and friend whose life was suddenly changed forever during what should have been a family holiday.