DANIA BEACH, Fla. – Videos a witness recorded on Friday and shared on Saturday show the aftermath of an explosion that killed a man, injured four others, and set a new 50-foot boat on fire.
Several witnesses who knew the man who died said he had worked at the Nautical Ventures Marina & Service Center in Dania Beach for a long time. Authorities have yet to release his identity.
“During the refueling process to ready the boat, there was an ignition source that caused an explosion.” Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Chief Michael Kane said on Friday.
Many at the marina knew the man who died as “Benjamin,” a hard-working migrant who had gained their trust with his dedication. Mark Weiss, who shared the videos, said he felt grief for the man’s family because it’s likely that his death could have been prevented.
Weiss said he was inside his coach on Friday afternoon when he heard a “huge BOOM!” He and his neighbor walked to investigate the source of the dark smoke. The flames had engulfed the boat.
The new boat that was supposed to be displayed at a boat show was a mess of fiberglass and metal. Wood had turned into ashes. Firefighters were still dealing with it on Saturday.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the cause of the fatal explosion and fire.
Watch the morning report