BRITISH TEEN, 16, DIES AFTER HORROR BOAT BLAST ON FAMILY HOLIDAY — WITNESSES REVEAL CHILLING FINAL MOMENTS

A British teenager who was enjoying a family holiday in the Dominican Republic has died after a tourist boat suddenly erupted in flames, leaving dozens of passengers scrambling for safety.

Abigail “Abbie” Lainton, 16, from Swindon, Wiltshire, suffered severe injuries in the July 27 incident while returning from a trip to Saona Island.

She remained in hospital for three days before passing away on July 30.

A HOLIDAY THAT TURNED INTO CHAOS

The tourist boat was carrying around 35 passengers when disaster struck.

Witnesses said the vessel suddenly accelerated before passengers heard a loud “pop.”

Moments later, the front of the boat erupted and flames began spreading across the vessel.

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

Among those on board were Abbie’s brother and sister, Carley and Bradley, who were also injured.

Authorities said 24 people were injured, with 11 requiring hospital treatment.

“IT SMELLED LIKE GASOLINE”

Tourist Gisell Segovia told The Sun that the boat allegedly smelled of gasoline and appeared overcrowded from the beginning.

She said passengers had been reassured by the crew that the vessel was safe.

Then came the sudden noise.

According to her account, passengers were thrown from their seats as parts of the boat broke apart and burning debris began flying through the air.

Her husband, Navin Torres, said he stayed with Abbie after the incident and described the teenager as “a warrior.”

He said she continued fighting for her life despite the devastating injuries she had suffered.

ABIGAIL’S FINAL FIGHT

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

She was rushed to hospital, but her condition deteriorated.

An inquest in Salisbury was told that she ultimately died from septic shock caused by septicaemia associated with pulmonary edema. The full inquest has been adjourned to a future date.

“SHE HAD HER WHOLE LIFE AHEAD OF HER”

Family friend Becky Jamieson described Abbie as a beautiful young girl who was loved by everyone around her.

She had been looking forward to receiving her GCSE results and spending the summer with friends.

Instead, her family is now preparing to say goodbye to a teenager who, according to those who knew her, had so much still ahead of her.

A fundraiser for the family has already attracted thousands of pounds in donations.

For Abbie’s loved ones, a family holiday that should have created happy memories has instead become a tragedy they will never forget.

Forever 16. Forever loved. Never forgotten.