Jetsprint boat transformed into a flying fireball

A Jetsprint boat has transformed into a flying fireball after crashing at high speed during the UIM World Championships in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.

The 52 Jetsprint Team of driver Blake Briant and navigator Kate Hoogerburg were screaming through their qualifier at Baypark Stadium when the duo made a critical error.

According to the team's Facebook page, the boat broke suction "just before" a right-hand turn and flew off the course, smacking into the embankment.

The impact sent the boat flipping into a number of somersaults – first on its side and then, after crashing on the propeller, over the nose of the boat.

However, the most spectacular moment of the terrifying crash was the moment the engine exploded, leaving a large fireball in its wake.

Despite the ferocity of the accident, both Briant and Hoogerburg escaped without serious injuries.