A blast rocked the city of Sunny Isles Beach on October 2 when an explosion blew out the top of a luxury condo building on Collins Ave. The 33-story beachfront building was under construction when the noontime blast sent debris raining down on guests at the adjacent Travelodge Monaco Beach Resort hotel.
The explosion appears to have come from a gas leak originating in the boiler room of one of the building’s penthouses. Hotel guests and pedestrians were hurt by falling pieces of concrete and glass. Others suffered burns. Two victims were brought to a local hospital by ambulance and a third was airlifted to a trauma center in Miami. Additional medical treatment took place at the scene of the blast. Two firefighters also suffered minor injuries. Two workers were trapped in an elevator. They were not injured, but they had to be rescued.
The cause of the gas leak has not yet been determined. The blast blew out walls on two sides of the high-rise building. Pieces of concrete were left dangling high above the ground in the aftermath of the explosion.
Construction site injuries
Blasts at construction sites are a fairly common occurrence. Workers, residents and neighbors are often hurt as a result of construction and demolition explosions. In addition to the direct danger of fire, those nearby may also be subject to the hazards of falling debris, building collapses, and even toxic exposure. Property damage is also a major concern for those in the affected building or adjacent properties.
If you have suffered physical injury or property damage due to an explosion or accident at a Florida construction site, you may have rights under the law. The construction site accident lawyers at the Bradenton firm of Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh can help you pursue justice.