A 16-year-old cheerleading coach from Swindon has died following a boat explosion during a family holiday in the Dominican Republic. Abbie Lainton was severely burned when the vessel, carrying approximately 30 people, caught fire on July 27 while traveling from Saona Island to the port of Bayahibe.

Lainton was rushed to intensive care in La Romana but succumbed to her injuries three days later. Her siblings, Carley and Bradley, also sustained burns and remain hospitalized. Authorities reported that 24 individuals were injured in the incident, with 11 victims requiring hospital treatment for burns. An official investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the explosion.

A government spokesperson described the event as a tragic accident at sea, noting the rapid medical response that followed. “The young lady and her injured siblings were moved immediately to the hospital in the city of La Romana but sadly she did not survive. Despite the best efforts of medical staff she did not make it. Her injured siblings are continuing to be looked after in the hospital,” the official said.

Passengers aboard the boat recounted the moment of the explosion. Navin Torres, 35, who suffered first degree burns, said the boat suddenly accelerated, followed by a “pop” and an explosion at the front of the vessel. “It took me a couple of seconds to analyse what was going on, and the fire started spreading towards me and my wife,” he recalled.

Abbie Lainton was a valued member of the Swindon Lightning Cheerleading club, where she was both a participant and a coach. The club described her as “much loved” and remembered her for her kindness, infectious smile, and dedication to cheerleading. A fundraising campaign set up to support her family has raised over £17,500, highlighting the impact she had on friends and the local community. The campaign expressed sorrow that Lainton, who was preparing for her GCSE results, lost her life during what should have been a summer holiday.

Local authorities in the Dominican Republic continue to investigate the cause of the explosion as they work to provide care for those injured in the accident.