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A powerful explosion, caused by an apparent propane gas leak, shook a shopping center in Florida City on Saturday morning.
The explosion was reported shortly before 9:00 a.m., in the 900 block of West Palm Drive, near Palm Bakery, a restaurant that had not yet officially opened to the public.
The incident left ten people injured and two of them are in critical condition. The explosion caught local merchants and passersby by surprise.
Among the injured is Luz Tejeda, the owner of a neighboring establishment, who sustained minor injuries. “It was an explosion as if it had been a bomb... when I looked, the whole ceiling had collapsed. Being alive is a miracle,” she recounted, still shaken.
The scene was described as chaotic and terrifying. Upon arriving at the location, the fire units found active flames, partially collapsed structures, broken glass scattered across the ground, and multiple victims, some trapped.
In light of the magnitude of the disaster, the Miami-Dade Fire Department activated an MCI protocol (Mass Casualty Incident), deploying more than 27 units, including specialized canine teams for search and rescue.
“A partial collapse of the structure occurred, and we had to deploy our canine units because there was concern that people might be trapped under the rubble,” explained Erika Benítez, spokesperson for the fire department in statements cited by Telemundo 51.
Eight of the injured were transferred to nearby hospitals. Two remain in critical condition, suffering from second and third-degree burns, as well as severe trauma caused by the impact of the shockwave and falling structural debris.
Palm Bakery was still not operating, but authorities have launched an investigation to determine if there was any negligence in the installation or handling of the gas system.
Inspectors of unsafe structures are assessing the risk of collapse of the affected building, while firefighters are collaborating with fire experts to determine the exact origin of the leak. The area remains cordoned off, and nearby businesses are closed as a precaution.
Frequently Asked Questions about the explosion at the Florida City shopping mall
What caused the explosion at the shopping mall in Florida City?
The explosion was caused by an apparent propane gas leak, which occurred in the area of the Palm Bakery restaurant, not yet open to the public. The investigation is ongoing to determine if there was negligence in the installation or handling of the gas system.
How many people were injured in the explosion?
The incident left ten people injured, two of whom are in critical condition. The injuries include second and third-degree burns, in addition to serious traumas.
What measures were taken after the explosion in Florida City?
The Miami-Dade Fire Department activated an MCI (Mass Casualty Incident) protocol, deploying more than 27 units, including specialized canine teams for search and rescue. The area was cordoned off, and nearby businesses were closed as a precaution.
What other investigations are being conducted following the explosion?
The authorities have initiated an investigation to determine potential negligence in the management of the gas system. Additionally, inspectors for unsafe structures are assessing the risk of collapse of the affected building.
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