A possible boat explosion near Florida’s Haulover Sandbar injured at least 11 people Saturday.
MIAMI — Nearly a dozen people were hurt by a suspected boat explosion Saturday near Miami, Florida, according to local rescue officials.
A charter boat was in Biscayne Bay when an explosion occurred on board, injuring the passengers, according to preliminary information provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The incident happened near popular tourist attraction Haulover Sandbar around 12:30 p.m. ET, according to the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. At least 25 units responded to the area.
It’s still unclear what caused the injuries, but at least 15 people were taken to the hospital, NBC News reported. The Associated Press reported 11 people were injured. The ages of those hurt are unknown at this time, but the Miami Herald reported at least one child was hurt.
Local outlet WPLG reported a boat captain suspected the explosion occurred because of a gas leak. He told the outlet it happened on startup and called it the “scariest moment” of his life.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
The Haulover Sandbar, off the coast of North Miami, is a shallow boating area and tourist destination where many parties take place.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.