A teenage girl is currently in critical condition after suffering severe burns from a homemade bomb explosion in a house in Miami-Dade County. According to Local 10, her uncle, Juan Alvarez, reported she was receiving treatment in intensive care, having been injured by what was described as a Molotov cocktail made from a Mason jar.
The incident, which occurred last night in the Naranja neighborhood, left the teenager "on fire from the belly on down" as described by Alvarez in an interview obtained by Local 10. Witnesses said that they heard a "big" explosion, and the subsequent fire caused significant damage to the home's interior, including a reclinable couch. Other minors were reported to be in the residence at the time of the explosion, though it remains unclear if they sustained any injuries.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel have initiated an investigation and dispatched a helicopter to fly the pediatric trauma patient to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, as detailed by Local 10. The Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office is also looking into the possibility of arson, though they have yet to release further details regarding the suspects or motive behind this act.
Focusing further on the potential motive, 7News reported the family's belief that this was a targeted attack, possibly as part of an ongoing feud. They discovered remnants of a jar with a candlewick and some type of liquid that they suspect was thrown intentionally into the home. "And then I heard a big explosion and then I when I came out the room and my niece was on fire from the belly on down," the homeowner recounted.
The authorities have yet to confirm the family's suspicions and urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Detectives have called on the community to aid the investigation by contacting Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477, where individuals can provide information anonymously.
