An explosion at a Dania Beach marina led to a deadly fire that claimed the life of a man and left four others critically injured. The incident occurred yesterday late afternoon at approximately 4:30 p.m. at the Nautical Ventures Marina & Service Center, which is situated just west of Interstate 95 and near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. According to Local 10, the boat was a 50-foot vessel, freshly arrived in preparation for an upcoming boat show.
The explosion occurred while the boat was being fueled, resulting in what Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue described as an "immediate and intense fire." Eyewitness Amanda Locascio, who works at a nearby restaurant, said, "You could feel it down in your chest almost, but it was a very, very loud explosion," in a Local 10 report.
Another local, Russell Kennedy, was nearly knocked off his bike by the force, stating, "It was pretty powerful, to say the least," in an interview with NBC Miami.
The identities of the victims have not been publicly disclosed, and it's unclear if they were marina employees. Video footage from Sky 10 showed the boat engulfed in flames as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, along with a body covered by a yellow tarp. "The injuries received would be consistent with an explosive-type injury," said BSFR Battalion Chief Michael Kane in a statement obtained by Local 10.
Four critically injured survivors were taken to local hospitals with blast injuries and burns, according to WSVN.
The aftermath of the blast caused concern at the marina, where people sought to learn the fate of their friends and loved ones. "One young lady, unfortunately, I saw her break down, and she had to sit down," said Russell Kennedy to WSVN. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is now leading the investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and fire that disrupted the usually calm marina.
