Photo: Jose A. Bernat Bacete / Moment / Getty Images
Fort Lauderdale, FL - Authorities are investigating a boat explosion at the Lauderdale Marina that injured five people and left one person missing.
The incident, which occurred around 6 p.m. on Monday at 1900 SE 15th Street, involved a fire that spread rapidly to a second vessel.
According to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, the explosion caused severe injuries to three individuals, all of whom were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The remaining two victims sustained less critical injuries and were treated at the scene.
Authorities are continuing their search for one individual who is unaccounted for following the explosion.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as flames engulfed the boats, with black smoke billowing into the sky.
Emergency crews worked quickly to contain the blaze and prevent further damage to nearby vessels and marina infrastructure.
The fire began on one boat but quickly spread to a second vessel docked nearby.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the explosion, and investigators are currently on-site assessing the damage and gathering evidence.
The Coast Guard and local fire investigators are leading the efforts to determine the origin of the fire.
The Lauderdale Marina is a popular location for boaters and tourists, making the incident especially alarming.
The area remained cordoned off Monday evening as investigators worked to secure the site and search for the missing person.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.