4 people hospitalized after boat explodes at Fort Lauderdale marina

3 adults, 1 child injured in boat explosion

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. ā€“ First responders rushed to a Fort Lauderdale marina after a boat exploded Sunday afternoon.

A 28-foot boat exploded with six occupants on board at the Lauderdale Marina.Ā 

William Garland, a retired firefighter, was nearby and immediately helped to render aid.

"It blew the back of the boat to pieces," Garland said.

The boat was backing into a fuel dock at the time of the explosion.Ā 

One adult was taken to Broward Health Medical Center with seriousĀ but not life-threatening injuries.Ā 

Three others, including a second adult and a minor, were also hospitalized with minor injuries.

"It was a flash explosion," Garland said. "The flames were hot instantaneouslyĀ and then they went out. It could have been much worse if this thing would have caught fire."

Garland said a 30-year-old woman suffered a fracture to her left leg.Ā 

"Her son was about 5 years old and he had justĀ singe burns on him," Garland said. "Because the explosion blew the fire out, thank God for that. So all we did was tend to the injuries."

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.Ā 


About the Authors:

David Dwork joined the WPLG Local 10 News team in August 2019. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, David has covered South Florida sports since 2007.

Sanela Sabovic joined Local 10 News in September 2012 as an assignment editor and associate producer.Ā In August 2015, she became a full-time reporter and fill-in traffic reporter. Sanela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in radio, television and film from DePaul University.