Several boats charred after explosion on boat docked on Miami River

MIAMI – A boat explosion was reported Tuesday on the Miami River, authorities said.

Miami Fire Rescue Capt. Ignatius Carroll said crews responded to the explosion in the area of Northwest 12th Street and 22nd Avenue.

Local 10 News reporter Terrell Forney was at the scene as heavy smoke could be seen coming from the boat. People watched the incident unfold from nearby boats.

Witnesses who live nearby told Forney that the explosion rocked their walls.

"I thought somebody hit on the wall and the picture came off, but I didn't know it was an explosion, because the picture hit me on the top of the head," William Jackson said. 

"It was just like a sonic boom," another witness, Nancy Baldwin said. 

Forney said at least four boats were left charred following the explosion on the 24-foot boat, which was one of many docked on the Miami River. 

"This was a pretty intense fire to try to battle with the amount of equipment that was surrounding the boat. We had to use foam to actually bring this fire under control," Carroll said. 

Two of the boats were deemed total losses. 

Surrounding streets were shut down during the incident as the smoke blinded traffic on the roadways. 

"It was intense," Jackson said. "I mean, the flames and smoke, man, was just -- if it weren't for the fire department, man things would've been a disaster around here."

It's unclear what caused the explosion.

No injuries were reported. 

BOAT EXPLOSION - Miami fire-rescue was responding to reports of a boat explosion at Northwest 12th Street and 22nd Avenue.

Posted by WPLG Local 10 on Tuesday, January 2, 2018

About the Authors
Amanda Batchelor headshot

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

Terrell Forney headshot

Terrell Forney joined Local 10 News in October 2005 as a general assignment reporter. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but a desire to escape the harsh winters of the north brought him to South Florida.

Loading...

Recommended Videos