Memorial Day Boat Explosion Injures Dozen in Fort Lauderdale

Memorial Day Tragedy: Boat Explosion Injures a Dozen in Fort Lauderdale A boat explosion on Memorial Day evening in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sent shockwaves through the community as nearly a dozen people, including two young children, were rushed to the hospital with severe injuries. The incident occurred near a popular sandbar, where many people were enjoying the holiday. "We tried to fuel up the boat, and must have been a gas leak and...a spark went off in an explosion," recounted Antonio Rivera, one of the injured, describing the terrifying moment. His wife, Cassandra Rivera, and their two children, ages 5 and 7, were also among the victims. First responders described the scene as chaotic, with people screaming for help and jumping into the water to escape the flames. Witnesses reported hearing a loud boom before seeing the boat engulfed in fire. A Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue official stated that many of the injured were transported as "level one traumas," indicating the severity of their conditions. While one adult has been discharged, the two children remain hospitalized in fair condition. The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety precautions on the water. The quick actions of bystanders in rescuing the injured highlight the community's resilience and compassion during a time of crisis.