1 dead, 4 injured in boat explosion at Dania Beach marina – WSVN 7News | Miami news, weather, sports

DENMARK BEACH, FLORIDA. (WSVN) – A boat caught fire at a Dania Beach marina, killing one person and sending four others to the hospital, officials said.

The incident happened near 4470 Ravenswood Road around 4:30 p.m. Friday, according to Broward Sheriff’s Fire and Rescue.

The marina is Nautical Ventures Marina & Service Center, which is located west of Interstate 95 and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

The man said he was riding his bike nearby when he heard the explosion, which nearly knocked him off his bike.

Broward Sheriff Rescue crews responded to the scene and encountered heavy flames and smoke billowing from a parked boat that had just been docked.

The 50-foot vessel was on a trailer when it caught fire, and officials said it was scheduled to be on display at an upcoming boat show.

Dark club smoke could be seen for miles. Cell phone video captured smoke from the northbound lanes of Interstate 95.

Officials said the boat caught fire while refueling.

A man who works at another boatyard said fiberglass may have been the cause of the fire.

Local resident Russell Kennedy told 7News what he saw after first responders arrived.

“They were really getting together and they were just showing up and one young lady, unfortunately, I saw her break down and she had to sit down,” he said. “She was obviously in tears, I mean, not knowing, obviously, maybe even just a friend.”

Crews managed to extinguish the fire. Now they are working to ensure that there are no hot spots.

Doctors declared the death of one of the victims on the spot.

7Skyforce and cellphone video showed crews loading the patient into an ambulance and leaving the scene.

Crews transported two victims to Broward Health Medical Center and two others to Memorial Regional Hospital for treatment of injuries and burns from the explosion. The extent of these injuries is unknown.

A 7News camera crew encountered several employees who tried to get onto the pier but were unable to do so.

Authorities shut down Anglers Avenue at 42nd Street, right next to the pier. They are urging drivers to avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

Law enforcement agencies and the state fire service are investigating the incident.