A gas leak caused a powerful explosion Saturday at a Broward shopping center that left some 20 injured and led to a strenuous search and rescue mission of others who may be trapped under the rubble.
The explosion occurred at Fountains Shops, located at 1041 S University Dr, Plantation, north of Miami. Possibly originated in a vacant pizzeria, which is in the process of renovation, near an LA Fitness gym, but the authorities have not confirmed it yet.
“Thank God, at this moment, no one has died,” said the deputy chief of Plantation Fire, Joel Gordon. “Being the situation as bad as it is, it could have been much worse.”
Authorities said that 23 people were injured. Among these are two who suffered serious injuries and were transferred to Broward Health Medical Center.
The explosion occurred near the LA Fitness gym, located inside the shopping center, and the images collected by the local channels show the severely damaged structure with glass broken or torn from the building, as well as debris scattered in the parking lot.
The stunned clients who exercised at LA Fitness evacuated the building calmly, to the sound of security alarms. Some of them looked hurt.
James Morrison was inside the gym during the outbreak. “It was a normal day. […] Suddenly, you feel like a force coming towards you and you realize that there is a problem. Immediately, parts of the roof began to fall and filled with smoke, “he told NBC Channel 6.
“As far as I know, everyone could leave. It was a slow process. Some of the gym members helped others. But everyone seemed to be able to get out, “added Morrison.
Authorities found broken gas lines in the rubble. A technical rescue team from Broward County was sent to the mall and firefighters were searching with rescue dogs among the rubble for more victims of the explosion. However, “we believe we have found everyone,” Gordon said.
Federal fire and explosives investigators were also present.
The surrounding streets were closed to vehicular traffic by the Plantation Police, which keeps the area cordoned off.
“All stores and businesses in the Fountains Plaza and Plantation Marketplace Plaza area near LA Fitness will remain closed until further notice, until firefighters can determine that it is safe to return,” the police force reported on their Twitter account.
