SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Rescue crews took a man to the hospital after, officials said, a diesel tank inside a shipping container exploded at a construction yard in Southwest Miami-Dade, Tuesday night, causing him to sustain serious burns.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene of the blast along Southwest 208th Street, near 134th Avenue, just after 7 p.m.
“There was a loud explosion,” said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lt. Omar Gordon. “When we arrived, we found the structure behind us fully engulfed in flames.”
Officials said Mario Alvarez was working, when a nearby diesel tank ignited, Tuesday night.
Officials said the explosion was so strong it sent the tank shooting out. The metal around it became mangled from the blast and fire that followed.
The victim, who was described as a man in his 40s, was burned as a result of the blast and was airlifted to Kendall Regional Medical Center in serious condition.
On Wednesday, his family said he is doing much better after a successful surgery.
Getting the flames under control was a challenge. Firefighters wore protective gear because of the chemicals.
“We don’t know what it is, so we’re going to take as much precaution as possible,” said Gordon.
Officials took the opportunity to remind everyone to wear protective gear when working around flammable materials.
Investigators are attempting to determine what set off the explosive chain of events.
“We’ll try to come up with a possible cause, and then we’ll proceed with the proper authorities from there,” said Gordon.
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