A boat explosion and fire in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Memorial Day evening left nearly a dozen people hospitalized, including two children. The incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. near the New River Triangle close to the Lauderdale Yacht Club, involving 13 individuals on the boat. The U.S. Coast Guard stated that, for reasons yet to be determined, the boat exploded, causing passengers to be thrown into the water. Good Samaritans quickly came to assist with rescues.
Footage captured the explosion, showcasing a large fireball and people entering the water. Initially, 11 patients, including the two children, were taken to Broward Health Medical Center. Many suffered significant burns and were subsequently moved to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s burn unit. Officials confirmed that Jackson received 10 patients—eight adults in good condition and two children in fair condition. One adult required intubation.
Eyewitness Antonio Rivero, who was aboard the boat, suggested a potential gas leak led to the explosion while they were refueling. He reported burns on his arm, while his family, though hospitalized, remained stable. Witnesses noted the severity of injuries, with people exhibiting badly burned limbs and clothing.
Additional witnesses on a nearby dinghy described a significant explosion that sent people flying off the boat. Some rescue efforts involved immediate action from fellow boaters, who rescued victims suffering severe burns and distress. Aerial footage later showed law enforcement and rescue teams examining the remnant of the boat docked by a sea wall. Both the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and fire officials will investigate the explosion’s cause. Notably, a dog aboard the boat was rescued unharmed.
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