A joyous Memorial Day gathering in Southeast Florida turned terrifying for Antonio Rivera and his family when a sudden disaster struck. As Rivera, his wife, and their two children joined friends for an afternoon on the water, their celebration took a tragic turn few saw coming.

A boat carrying thirteen people exploded near Fort Lauderdale’s New River Triangle at around 5:45 p.m. Monday, leaving passengers with severe burns and launching a frantic rescue effort. According to The Daily Caller, the explosion scattered the boaters into the water as bystanders rushed to save those injured.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic. The blast sent bodies flying, and the cries for help echoed across the waterway. At least eleven people, including two children, were rushed to the hospital, while a family dog was pulled from the wreckage unharmed. Officials say several victims suffered significant burns, requiring transfer to a specialized burn center.

Rescue mission sparks heroism

As flames engulfed the vessel, ordinary citizens became heroes. Several good Samaritans leaped into action, ignoring the risk to themselves to pull victims from the water. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue spokesman Frank Guzman told reporters that people nearby reacted without hesitation, diving in and dragging survivors to safety as the burning boat threatened further catastrophe.

NBC News aired dramatic footage showing the moment of the explosion, as the boat burst into flames on what should have been a peaceful holiday. Witnesses told NBC 6 South Florida that the blast was deafening, and the sight of people, some with their clothes torn off by the force, desperately seeking help was harrowing.

One of the victims, who chose not to be named, offered a firsthand account to WPLG Local 10. The person explained that they had been attempting to fuel the boat when a gas leak likely ignited, leading to the explosion. “Just got burned in the boat explosion just now. Tried to fuel up the boat must have been a gas leak and you know, a spark went off, explosion,” the victim said.

Family recounts nightmare ordeal

Antonio Rivera, identified as one of the injured, recounted the terrifying ordeal to Erie News Now. He confirmed that he, his wife, and both children were among those hurt but expressed relief that their injuries, while severe, would not be permanent. Rivera’s story highlights the suddenness with which tragedy can strike, even during moments of joy.

Rivera described the chaos as the boat exploded just as the family prepared to start the engine. The force of the blast sent everyone into the water, and Rivera recalled the desperate pleas for help. Witness Bret Triano, who helped rescue Rivera, told Erie News Now about the panic and confusion as they tried to keep the victims afloat and out of further harm.

Triano said Rivera was in agony, pleading for assistance as burns covered his body. According to Triano, “He was saying, ‘Save me, please don’t let me die, I’m so hot, I need water.’” Rivera later told reporters that while his family suffered third-degree burns, doctors believed they would make a full recovery.

Authorities launch investigations

Authorities wasted no time launching an extensive investigation into the cause of the explosion. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and local police are all involved in examining the incident. Commercial salvage teams were called in to remove the wreckage from the river as officials worked to determine the exact cause of the blast.

Investigators are looking at the possibility of a gas leak as a triggering factor. Guzman emphasized that the specific reasons for the explosion remain unknown, but all possible angles are being explored. The FWC is also investigating a similar incident in nearby Miami, where another vessel caught fire over the weekend, further raising concerns about boating safety in the region.

Officials urge boat owners to take extra precautions, particularly when refueling or operating vessels in crowded areas. The incident has brought renewed attention to the importance of proper maintenance and safety checks, especially during busy holidays when waterways are packed with families and friends.

Victims recover as authorities search for answers

Antonio Rivera and his family, along with the other injured passengers, are now recovering in the hospital after a day that changed their lives in an instant. The explosion on New River Triangle in Fort Lauderdale left a community shaken as witnesses and rescuers alike struggle to process the trauma they experienced Monday.

Investigators from multiple agencies, including Fort Lauderdale Police and the FWC, are working together to determine what led to the disaster. Their goal is to prevent similar tragedies in the future and ensure that those responsible for any negligence are held accountable.

The story of Rivera, his family, and the good Samaritans who risked their lives to help serves as a powerful reminder of both the dangers and the resilience found in America’s boating communities. As the investigation continues, families across Florida remain vigilant, hoping that lessons learned from this catastrophe will keep future celebrations safe.