At least 11 people suffered severe injuries and required hospitalization following a dramatic boat explosion in Biscayne Bay, a popular Miami tourist destination, on Saturday.
Incident Overview
The charter vessel erupted around 12:50 p.m., prompting a massive emergency response. Over two dozen crews from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived to find multiple victims needing immediate care, classifying the event as a Level 2 Mass Casualty incident.
Victims and Rescue Efforts
Among the injured are two children, with one suffering burns across 18 percent of his body. An adult victim faces burns covering approximately 30 percent of his skin. Many individuals ended up stranded in the water before rescuers pulled them onto lifeboats. They were then moved to nearby fuel docks and transported to local hospitals.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials transported 11 patients, though some reports suggest up to 15 people sustained injuries. Conditions remain serious for several victims, described as badly burnt.
Witness Accounts
Local business owner Patrick Lee, who observed the blast, described seeing “three people flying off of the boat and a puff of smoke.” He noted, “It was pretty obvious what it was. I saw 12 stretchers leave with people very badly burnt.”
A passenger attributed the explosion to a gas leak.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have launched a probe into the cause, led by the state’s Conservation Commission. Further details are expected as the investigation continues.
