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A total of 11 people were hospitalized Saturday following a possible boat explosion near North Miami Beach.
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Miami-Dade Fire Rescue spokesperson Erika Benitez said crews responded just after 12:30 p.m. to reports of a possible vessel explosion near the popular boating area near the Haulover Beach marina.
More than 25 units responded, including boat fire crews, ocean rescue teams and partner agencies such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Coast Guard, Benitez said.
“Upon arrival, our crews encountered multiple patients with various degrees of injury, including burns requiring medical attention,” Benitez said.
Officials upgraded the response to a Level 2 mass casualty incident because of the number of patients and the need for additional resources, she said.
The Haulover Sandbar, near Haulover Beach marina, is a shallow boating area known for lively parties in North Miami Beach.
Officials said the cause of the apparent explosion remains under investigation.
“As we are in the midst of voting season, we want to remind our community to always prioritize safety while out on the water,” Benitez said. “Make sure you do a safety check and ensure that your boat is in good working condition.”
Marlene Lenthang is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
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