Cozumel, Q.R. — UPDATED: A blast on a boat inside the Fonatur Marina has left at least five people seriously injured. The explosion, which is reported on a navy boat, happened shortly before 11:00 a.m.
Ambulances were at the scene Thursday morning in response to the explosion. According to initial reports, five people were seriously burned.
At least one person, a man, was seen at the site of the explosion with severe burns to his legs.
It was just before 11:00 a.m. that firefighters were dispatched to the Cozumel marina following a report of an explosion on board a vessel.
Firemen were at the scene nearly an hour combatting the blaze.
Local authorities have not commented on the Thursday morning explosion. Details surrounding what happened or exactly where inside the marina the explosion occurred are not known at this time.
Personnel working at the dock have said the explosion was related to gas. It is not known if it was a buildup or if the explosion happened during refueling. The boat that exploded is reported to have belonged to the Mexican Navy.
UPDATE: The Marina of Cozumel has confirmed five injured in the Thursday explosion. In a statement, they confirmed an incident occurred Thursday aboard a small vessel of the ERI type (immediate response vessel), during routine maneuvers in which fuel was being handled.
Five naval personnel were injured and received immediate assistance from Cozumel Navy personnel before being transported by ambulance to the island’s Naval Clinic. All are reported to be in stable condition, receiving specialized care.
The Marina stated that all necessary support is being offered to the affected personnel and that communication is being maintained with their families to ensure their support and care.
Aside from the ‘handling of gas’, their statement did not provide details about the official cause of the Thursday explosion.
