A significant gas explosion has devastated a strip mall in Florida City, resulting in injuries to ten individuals, according to local officials. The incident occurred on Saturday morning at a shopping plaza on West Palm Drive, near Southwest 187th Avenue, where dramatic footage captured the aftermath of the blast.
Witnesses reported a loud noise that startled local residents. “It shook the ground, everything,” said one onlooker, Jose Francisco, who also noted seeing black smoke in the air. Another resident, who spoke through a translator, expressed confusion over the explosion’s origin.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials indicated that the explosion was caused by propane gas and originated in a restaurant preparing for its grand opening, which then spread to an adjacent smoke shop. Fire crews arrived shortly after 9 a.m. to manage the situation, with many firefighters on-site to ensure no individuals were trapped in the wreckage. The explosion resulted in a partial roof collapse and substantial structural damage to the building.
Cleanup efforts are ongoing as local authorities continue to investigate the incident. A woman who was hospitalized due to the explosion expressed her relief at being home again. “More or less good,” she remarked about her recovery. Witnesses have expressed gratitude that there were no fatalities, emphasizing that despite the destruction, the situation could have been much worse. “Nobody got killed or nothing, praise to God,” Francisco added.
The building has been deemed unsafe, affecting the other businesses within the strip mall, which remain closed as inspections proceed.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers inherent in gas-related activities and the importance of safety measures during construction and maintenance work. As investigations unfold, it is hopeful that stringent safety protocols will be reinforced to prevent similar incidents in the future.