Couple suffer burns after fire engulfs boat on Adelaide river

A couple have suffered serious burns after their boat burst into flames on the River Murray at Wellington.

Witnesses told 9NEWS they rushed down to the river bank after they heard “loud bangs” about 1.30pm.

Video showed thick, black plumes of smoke and bright orange flames gushing from the replica paddle boat.

It is believed the vessel’s diesel engine exploded, causing extreme heat.

The 68-year-old woman and her husband were forced to jump into the water, and were soon rescued by a local man who spotted them on the bank.

“We put some wet towels over the burns and continued to pour water onto the towels,” Mark Vermeeren said.

The pair were taken to Murray Bridge Hospital, with the woman suffered serious burns to her hands and feet.

Police investigations into the accident are ongoing.