13 injured in Fort Lauderdale boat explosion

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. ā€“ Multiple people were injured Thursday afternoon when an explosion occurred on a boat in Fort Lauderdale.

Sky 10 was above the area of 2001 SW 20th St. shortly after 2 p.m. as heavy smoke and flames were still coming from the boat.

According to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Stephen Gollan, the boat was heading down the South Fork New River with 21 people onboard when the explosion occurred, sending passengers into the water.

A total of 13 people were injured, five of whom were taken to Broward Health Medical Center.

As of Friday, two patients who were in serious condition have been taken to Miami Burn Center, one by air and one by ground transportation. Five other patients with minor injuries have been released.

Sky 10 over boat explosion in Fort Lauderdale. (WPLG)

Gollan said all of the victims sustained burns. Two sustained serious, but non-life-threatening injuries and three sustained minor injuries, he said.

Gollan said several victims refused to be transported to the hospital.

The cause of the explosion is unclear.

Stay with Local10.com or follow reporters @IanMargolWPLG and @jweinsierWPLG on Twitter for the latest updates.

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About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Jeff Weinsier joined Local 10 News in September 1994. He is currently an investigative reporter for Local 10. He is also responsible for the very popular Dirty Dining segments.