An explosive blaze erupted at a marina in Dania Beach, Florida, leading to a tragic outcome on Friday afternoon when one man lost his life and four others suffered serious injuries. The incident unfolded at the Nautical Ventures Marina & Service Center, conveniently located near Interstate 95 and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, as reported by authorities.
The catastrophic event occurred around 4:35 p.m. and involved a 50-foot vessel that had just arrived for a boating showcase. According to Local 10, the explosion happened during the refueling process, igniting an intense fire.
Eyewitnesses recounted the explosion's powerful impact. Amanda Locascio, a nearby restaurant employee, described the blast as so intense that it "shook the entire restaurant," adding that the force was felt even in her chest.
Explosion's Cause and Firefighters' Response
Battalion Chief Michael Kane of the Broward Sheriff's Fire Rescue noted that the explosion was triggered by an ignition source during the refueling process. Firefighters responded swiftly to contain the flames, but the damage was already substantial.
Aerial footage captured by local media depicted firefighters striving to extinguish the fire while the boat remained on a trailer. Emergency services transported the critically injured to a nearby hospital, while the deceased victim was covered on-site.
Investigation Underway
The identities of the victims have not been released yet, as authorities continue to investigate the precise cause of the disaster. The State Fire Marshal's Office is spearheading the investigation into this devastating event.
Recently, Florida has witnessed several yacht fires, highlighting the risks associated with these vessels. In April 2024, a state-of-the-art yacht caught fire at a Miami shipyard, resulting in significant losses. In October 2023, another yacht went up in flames at a Miami marina, causing severe damage but no casualties. Additionally, in July of the same year, a yacht fire in the Florida Keys led to a woman's disappearance.
Moreover, in February, a yacht was destroyed by fire at a Miami marina, leaving the vessel unrecognizable, although no injuries were reported. These incidents have raised concerns regarding the safety of operating and maintaining these luxury boats, as most accidents occurred during refueling or maintenance activities.