Explosion on Boat in Fort Lauderdale Injures Eleven

News Summary

An explosion aboard a boat in Fort Lauderdale resulted in eleven injuries, including two children. The incident occurred near the Lauderdale Yacht Club, leading to emergency services treating the victims, with several sustaining serious burns. Witnesses described panic and chaos, as people jumped into the water to escape. Investigations are ongoing to determine the explosion’s cause, while the local community shows support for those affected.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – An explosion aboard a boat in Fort Lauderdale left eleven people injured, including two children, on Monday at approximately 5:45 p.m. The incident took place near the Lauderdale Yacht Club, in the intracoastal waterway, specifically on the sandbar east of the yacht club located at the 1700 block of 12th Street. Emergency responders reported that 13 individuals were on board the vessel at the time of the explosion.

Broward Health Medical Center treated the injured victims, with ten individuals later being transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s burn unit for more severe injuries. The victims included two children, ages 5 and 7, who were reported to be in fair condition later that evening. By 10 p.m., eight other victims were noted to be in good condition, although several sustained serious burns.

Witnesses reported a chaotic scene following the explosion, with individuals jumping into the water to escape the blast. A nearby fisherman described hearing a loud explosion and observing gas vapor rising into the air, followed by people falling into the water. Good Samaritans, recognizing the urgency of the situation, launched their dinghy to assist the victims. They rescued a 36-year-old man who was severely burned and in distress, who was in need of immediate medical attention.

Among the injured was Antonio Rivera, who described the explosion occurring as they attempted to fuel the boat, indicating a possible gas leak. While his family suffered from third-degree burns, he mentioned they were expected to recover. Fortunately, a dog that was also on board the vessel was rescued unharmed.

Emergency services, including Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and numerous other agencies, were on the scene to respond to the incident. Investigators from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were deployed to gather information and examine the nearly intact boat. As the evening progressed, the boat was secured against a dock as officials began their investigation into the explosion’s cause.

While no fatalities were reported, officials noted that the investigation into the incident would be ongoing. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue deployed a fire investigator to further assess the situation and determine what might have caused the explosion. The scene was heavily monitored by various emergency services, highlighting the seriousness with which first responders approached the event.

In summary, an explosion on a boat in Fort Lauderdale has left eleven individuals injured, of whom two were children. The incident unfolded near the Lauderdale Yacht Club and has sparked an investigation by authorities. Medical treatment is ongoing for those affected, and the community has come together to aid those in need during this troubling incident.

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