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Explosion at popular Miami marina leaves 11 injured
U.S. authorities are probing the cause of a boat explosion at Haulover Sandbar, a well-known tourist spot in southern Florida, that sent 11 people to hospital on Sunday.
Emergency response unfolds
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a blast around midday. Battalion Chief Juan Arias confirmed that all 11 victims were transported to local hospitals, primarily suffering from burns and traumatic injuries.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers later joined the rescue effort, coordinating with fire teams on the water and in the air.
Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scene
Patrick Lee, a local boat charter operator, told CBS News he saw three individuals thrown from the vessel during the explosion.
"I just saw a lot of them with burns all over them, and I said that it's a hot fire. It is quick, but it's high-octane gasoline, and so a lot of them got burnt and it was an explosion."
Patrick Lee, eyewitness
Videos circulating from the scene show a helicopter touching down near the marina, with emergency responders carrying at least one victim on a stretcher.
Cause remains unclear
Officials have not disclosed what triggered the blast. Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue has not yet responded to requests for additional information.
Haulover Sandbar, known for its shallow, clear waters, is a frequent destination for tourists and boaters in the Miami area.
