Boat explodes at Hannibal

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- A small boat was destroyed after it blew up at the Hannibal riverfront, but several people nearby pitched in with fire extinguishers to help avert a disaster.

Two other boats at the Mississippi River marina not far from the northeast Missouri town's historic area were damaged in the explosion Tuesday. No one was hurt.

Flames almost penetrated the boat's gas tank, a witness said.