The explosion on Monday afternoon of a boat that was docked at a marina in the city of Fort Lauderdale, in Broward County, resulted in one woman dead and five people injured, three of whom sustained serious injuries.
The incident, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m. local time, was captured by an EarthCam surveillance camera installed at the marina.
The Fort Lauderdale Fire Department (FLFR) immediately responded to multiple 911 calls reporting an explosion and a fire at the marina.
Upon arrival, the firefighters found a boat engulfed in flames, which had spread to another nearby vessel.
Divers and vessels were deployed to search for a person missing in the water.
Later, the Broward Sheriff's Office confirmed the discovery of the lifeless body of a woman, while the injured were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Three of them have severe traumatic injuries, according to the FLFR report.
"The boy was tying up in front when there was a huge explosion, and all I saw was fire and debris from the boat falling on us," said María Sanz, a witness to the incident who was on a boat just a few meters from the scene of the tragedy, in statements to the local press.
Although the cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, several agencies, including the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), are working together on the investigation.
Images obtained by NBC 6 show the devastation of the incident: the upper half of the boat was sent flying into the air after the explosion, only to come crashing down onto its base. The fire and debris at the scene left witnesses in shock.
As of the closing of this report, the identity of the deceased woman and the injured individuals has not been disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Boat Explosion in Fort Lauderdale
What happened in Fort Lauderdale with the boat explosion?
An explosion on a docked boat at a marina in Fort Lauderdale resulted in the death of a woman and left five others injured, three of them with serious injuries.
How did the authorities respond to the explosion at the Port of Fort Lauderdale?
The Fort Lauderdale Fire Department responded immediately after receiving multiple 911 calls, deploying divers and boats to search for a missing person, who was unfortunately found deceased.
What caused the boat explosion in Fort Lauderdale?
The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. Several agencies, including the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and the United States Coast Guard, are investigating the incident.
How has the incident impacted the local community of Fort Lauderdale?
The incident has left the community in shock, especially those who witnessed the explosion and the fire. Images of the explosion reveal the devastation and have raised concerns about safety in the local marinas.
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