11 people injured in possible boat explosion in Miami Beach – UK Times

Eleven people were sent to the hospital Saturday afternoon after a possible boat explosion at a marina near North Miami.

Crews responded around 12:50 p.m. to reports of a possible explosion on the water just west of Haulover Beach Marina, a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokesperson told The Independent.

More than 25 units rushed to the scene, including Fireboat 21 and Ocean Rescue crews, with support from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard.

When first responders arrived, they found multiple victims with a range of injuries, including burns and other traumatic wounds. Because of the number of patients, officials upgraded the response to a Level 2 mass casualty incident to deploy additional resources.

All victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Authorities also used the event to stress boating safety during busy periods on the water.

“Make sure your vessel is equipped with a working fire extinguisher and all required safety equipment,” the MDFR said in a statement. “Before departure, perform a thorough safety check to ensure your boat is in good working condition and free of potential hazards. Taking a few extra precautions can help prevent emergencies and keep everyone safe.”