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Multiple 911 calls described an explosion near the marina’s fuel docks, igniting a blaze that consumed one boat and spread to a second vessel before firefighters were able to contain it
Moment when the first boat exploded at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Screengrab)
A person died and five others sustained severe burn injuries after a fire engulfed one boat and spread to a second vessel before firefighters brought it under control at Fort Lauderdale in United States’ Florida on Monday evening.
The fire broke out just before 6 pm at a marina on the 1900 block of Southeast 15th Street, behind the 15th Street Fisheries restaurant, according to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, as reported by CBS News.
🚨🇺🇸BOAT EXPLOSION ROCKS FORT LAUDERDALE MARINA: 5 INJURED, 1 MISSINGA boat fire at a marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida injured at least five people on Monday evening, with three suffering traumatic injuries.
The blaze spread to a second vessel before being contained.… pic.twitter.com/9dgnfpwKr6
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 24, 2024
Multiple 911 calls described an explosion near the marina’s fuel docks, igniting a blaze that consumed one boat and spread to a second vessel before firefighters were able to contain it.
During the response, divers recovered the body of a missing individual from the water. Three people suffered traumatic injuries and were rushed to local hospitals, officials confirmed.
Witnesses recalled a chaotic scene as flames quickly spread, with some people trying to escape the burning boat. “I felt the vibration through my body,” said one witness. “I saw the top half of the boat fly up about 10 feet and come right back down.” Others described the frightening moments following the explosion. “I saw people walking around on fire,” another witness stated.
Video footage from the scene showed flames erupting from one boat and spreading to the second. Authorities are investigating whether the fire started during refueling. The identities of the deceased and those injured have not yet been released, and the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
