An explosion on a charter boat near a popular tourist site resulted in 15 individuals, including two children, being taken to the hospital. Witness reports indicate that the blast threw multiple people into the water before the boat was engulfed in flames.

Authorities in the US have classified the incident as a “level two mass casualty event,” prompting the dispatch of over two dozen rescue units to the waters off Miami. One child is being treated for burns covering 18% of their body, while an adult is hospitalized with burns on around 30% of their skin.

The incident occurred on Biscayne Bay, close to the Haulover Sandbar. First responders described a scene of chaos upon their arrival, with confusion regarding the number of injured individuals. Multiple victims sustained burns and some were rescued from the water by fire-crew lifeboats.

The injured were swiftly transported to nearby fuel docks for further transfer to trauma centers. The Miami Herald identified the boat as a Press Cruiser 400 Express named Nauti Nabors from Texas.

Eyewitnesses, including boat captain Patrick Lee, recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the explosion. Lee observed people being thrown from the boat and described the rapid spread of flames. He speculated that the explosion may have been caused by gas fumes accumulating on board due to improperly managed exhaust fans.

Another passenger on board, identified as Leo, attributed the explosion to a gas leak and described it as a harrowing experience. According to dispatch logs, fire crews suspect the explosion originated from the boat’s fuel tank.

Fire and rescue officials emphasized the importance of safety measures while boating and advised ensuring vessels are equipped with fire extinguishers and proper safety gear. An investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing.

Despite the chaos, the boat’s captain emerged unscathed from the incident.