Tractor-trailers explode, burn outside Opa-locka warehouse

Firefighters battle massive flames

OPA-LOCKA, Fla. – Dozens of tractor-trailers exploded and caught fire Monday afternoon at a warehouse in Opa-locka.

Sky 10 was flying above American Fruit & Produce on Northwest 42nd Avenue as numerous tractor-trailers were burning in the parking lot.

American Fruit & Produce and neighboring South Gold Corp. were evacuated.

Thick, black smoke could be seen from miles away.

Authorities said about 30 tractor-trailers, as well as fuel and propane tanks, burned. Several vehicles parked on the other side of a fence also caught fire.

"It sounded like maybe gas tanks or something, and it started catching fire pretty quick," a man identified only as Humberto, who works nearby, told Local 10 News. 

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews spent almost an hour battling the flames.

"(Miami-Dade) Fire Rescue did a great job," Opa-locka police Chief James Dobson said. "(The fire) never made it to the building." 

Two runways at nearby Miami Opa-locka Executive Airport were temporarily closed because of the intense flames and smoke.

Northwest 128th Street was shut down from Northwest 37th Avenue to Northwest 42nd Avenue while firefighters battled the flames.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the explosions remains under investigation.


About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.