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Birthday Boat Blast: Candle Ignites Tragedy
13 May
Summary
- Birthday celebration may have sparked boat explosion.
- Fifteen people were hospitalized after the incident.
- Survivors report hearing birthday songs before the blast.
A devastating boat explosion occurred on Biscayne Bay on Saturday, May 9, injuring fifteen people. Eyewitness accounts suggest the blast may have been triggered by an attempt to light birthday candles on a cake, shortly after passengers were heard singing "Happy Birthday." The vessel, identified as a Press Cruiser 400 Express, exploded near Haulover Sandbar.
Eleven individuals were transported to the hospital by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Survivors described the terrifying moments leading up to the explosion, with some noting the smell of gasoline. One passenger's son stated his mother suffered second-degree burns and remains hospitalized. Another victim's husband reported extensive burns on over half of his wife's body.
While officials have not confirmed the cause, one witness suggested the boat may not have been properly ventilated before being started. The Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded alongside Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to the incident, which is currently under investigation.
