Memorial Day Tragedy: Boat Explosion Injures 11 in Fort Lauderdale

On Memorial Day, a boat explosion rocked a popular Fort Lauderdale sandbar, sending shockwaves through the community and leaving 11 injured, including two children. The incident unfolded rapidly, with witnesses describing a chaotic scene as people scrambled to escape the burning vessel. Bret Triano, a bystander, recounted his experience, "I saw this boat just explode. People were screaming, jumping into the water." He bravely used his dinghy to assist a man struggling in the water, highlighting the community's immediate response. One of the injured, Antonio Rivera, speaking to CBS Miami, while not showing his face, described the moments before the blast: "We tried to fuel up the boat, and it must have been a gas leak...a spark went off and explosion." Hospital officials reported eight adults in good condition, and the two children, both boys aged 5 and 7, are listed in fair condition. Multiple agencies are investigating the cause of the explosion to prevent future tragedies. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety precautions and the power of community support in times of crisis.