At least 21 injuries reported in South Florida gas explosion

PLANTATION, Fla. — At least 21 people were injured and buildings were damaged in a gas explosion Saturday afternoon at a South Florida shopping center, authorities said.

UPDATE 4:00 p.m. EDT: A total of 21 people were injured in the gas explosion, authorities said.

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The explosion was reported around 11:30 a.m. at the Fountains shopping center in Plantation.

Two patients who were seriously injured were transported via ambulance to Broward Health Medical Center, The Miami Herald Reported. One patient was transported as a Level 1 Trauma Patient.

While several storefronts sustained heavy damage, most of the impact was confined to an LA Fitness and a closed pizza restaurant, said Plantation Fire Battalion Chief Joel Gordon.

Ruptured gas lines were found amid the debris, Gordon said.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m. EDT: At least 20 people are confirmed to be injured in the gas explosion that occurred Saturday afternoon in a Plantation, Florida shopping center.

Two of the 20 injured suffered serious injuries, said Plantation Fire Battalion Chief Joel Gordon, WPLG-TV reported.

Fire departments from Plantation, Davie, Lauderhill, Coral Springs, and the Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue have responded to the scene.

Original report: Multiple people were reported to be injured after a gas explosion near a Plantation, Florida LA Fitness, local media reported.

The blast occurred Saturday afternoon in the Fountains Plaza shopping center. Video tweeted by WPLG-TV reporter Jeff Weinsier of the aftermath of the explosion shows broken windows and debris inside the gym.

Police have shut down roads and businesses in the area, Plantation police said in a tweet.

Plantation is located in South Florida in the Miami metropolitan area.

Further details are unclear.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

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