Gas leak that caused Sunny Isles Beach high-rise explosion ruled accidental

Debris from blast injures construction workers, guests at neighboring hotel

SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla. – A gas leak that caused an explosion in the boiler room of a penthouse at a Sunny Isles Beach high-rise building Friday has been ruled accidental.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said Monday that the gas leak at the Chateau Beach Residences, 17475 Collins Ave., was sparked by an unknown ignition source.

A cleaning crew told Local 10 News reporter Glenna Milberg that water that may be from the hotel's sprinkler system soaked through two floors of the new building.

"(It) soaked into the drywall," Wanda Smith said. "We're taking drywall out and the insulation all out."

Debris from the blast injured guests at the adjacent Travelodge Monaco Beach Resort. That hotel remained closed Monday, and all guests were moved to another hotel a few block north.

Six people were hurt in the incident, including two firefighters who were helping with the rescue effort.

Two plumbers who were burned in the explosion has the most serious injuries. One has since been released from Jackson Memorial Hospital, and the other remains at Kendall Regional Medical Center.

Local 10 has learned that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported no violations against the construction company working in the building.

Workers were back at the building Monday, but the public was being kept out. The hotel also remained closed.

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About the Author:

Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."