MEDLEY, FLA. (WSVN) - At least two people have died and two people are now in critical condition after a fire broke out at Laurie’s Trailer Repair and General Welding in Medley.
A doorbell camera captured the deadly explosion before Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene at 11350 NW South River Drive before 9 a.m., Tuesday.
On Wednesday 7Skyforce could see the impacts of the explosion that left structures burned, scraps of charred metal, and what looked like metal tanks thrown around.
Utility workers were also seen fixing power lines that were damaged.
“From what we’ve gathered so far, it seems the company is a welding company where they’re working on some heavy machinery. Right now, investigators are still trying to find out exactly what caused this combustion,” said Detective Luis Sierra with Miami-Dade Police.
Smoke could be seen from Broward County and some working nearby ran for cover.
“It was a very hazardous scenario,” said Danny Cardeso with MDFR. “You had multiple vehicles burning with flammables. You had multiple power lines down. That, coupled with five people in total needing rescue or needing care. It was a very challenging scene.”
Multiple vehicles were on fire, including what appeared to be a fuel carrier. The fire was reportedly caused by a spark when workers were using acetylene for welding.
A man who works nearby said welding was being done on a fuel tanker and he believes that is what triggered the blast.
Once fire officials had control over the flames, video footage showed a truck half burned.
Two people were confirmed dead on the scene.
One victim was airlifted and another was transported by ground to Ryder Trauma Center; both were said to be in critical condition.
Police have not released the identities of any of the victims.
7News reached out to the company but they declined to comment. The business remains closed off as an investigation continues.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.