5 injured when boat catches fire on Willamette River in downtown Portland

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - Five people were hurt when a boat caught fire on the Willamette River through downtown Portland on Sunday afternoon, according to the sheriff’s office.

Around 3 p.m., bystanders called 911, saying they saw people jumping off a burning boat in the middle of the river near the Kerr Public Dock.

According to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, nearby boats helped pull people out of the water and bring them to shore. The five injured people were taken to local hospitals for treatment. Deputies did not know the extent of the injuries each person suffered, but said they were all expected to recover.

The burning boat eventually sank, and fire officials are investigating the incident.