Caribbean’s Heart restaurant blown apart on opening day—10 injured in Florida City explosion

What Happened at Caribbean’s Heart Restaurant in Florida City?

At 8:51 a.m. local time on Saturday, May 24, 2025, a powerful propane explosion occurred inside a newly reopened restaurant in a Florida City strip mall, injuring ten people and causing a partial roof collapse. According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR), the blast originated inside the Caribbean’s Heart restaurant, which was preparing for its official launch that same morning. The force of the explosion damaged at least two business units, blew out windows, and scattered debris across the premises at 941 West Palm Drive.

The explosion triggered a full emergency response involving 27 fire rescue units, including canine teams, hazmat officers, and structural engineers. MDFR officials confirmed that eight people were transported to hospitals by ambulance, with two classified as “trauma alerts” and airlifted to a trauma center. Two others self-reported for treatment at nearby medical facilities. All ten victims were reported to be in stable condition as of late Saturday.

Where Exactly Did the Explosion Occur and Who Was Impacted?

The explosion was centered inside Caribbean’s Heart, a Caribbean-themed restaurant that had taken over the location formerly occupied by Palm Bakery. The establishment was not yet open to the public but was actively preparing for a soft launch on Saturday. Fire officials said that staff members and contractors were likely inside performing final preparations when the propane tank malfunctioned.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Division Chief Horacio Rodriguez said during a press briefing that the blast originated in the kitchen area of the restaurant and extended into an adjacent business unit—a smoke shop—causing substantial structural compromise. Among those injured was the restaurant’s owner, though no names have been released. Local news outlets reported that the explosion could be heard blocks away, shaking nearby homes and storefronts.

What Is the Condition of the Building and Surrounding Businesses?

The explosion led to a partial collapse of the restaurant’s roof and inflicted severe damage on the building’s structural integrity. Photos from the scene showed the storefront blown out, with shattered glass, twisted metal, and wood fragments littering the sidewalk. Fire officials confirmed that the building has been declared unsafe, and the Miami-Dade County Unsafe Structures unit has since initiated a formal assessment.

Neighboring businesses remain closed, with the plaza cordoned off behind yellow caution tape. Officials indicated that the investigation and safety review may take several days. Residents and shopkeepers in adjacent units were ordered to stay away until structural engineers complete their analysis.

What Do Investigators Say About the Cause of the Explosion?

Investigators from the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Fire Prevention Division are examining the propane system used inside the restaurant. While the exact cause has not been publicly confirmed, authorities are focusing on whether a gas leak or mishandled propane tank may have led to the explosion. A full forensic analysis is underway.

Because the blast extended into multiple units and involved commercial gas infrastructure, the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office and Miami-Dade Building Code Compliance officers have been called in. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has also been notified, though officials emphasized there is no evidence of foul play or criminal intent at this stage.

Was the Restaurant Properly Permitted and Inspected?

As of Sunday, May 26, officials have not publicly disclosed whether Caribbean’s Heart had completed all required inspections prior to opening. The business had reportedly undergone renovations after taking over the bakery’s lease. Miami-Dade County inspection records are being reviewed to verify if proper gas fitting and safety compliance was documented.

Fire and building code officials are specifically checking whether the propane setup was newly installed, reused from the bakery, or modified during the handover process. Investigators will also look at whether licensed technicians were involved in connecting and testing the system.

What Is the Historical Context of Propane Incidents in Florida?

Florida has a history of propane-related explosions in commercial and residential settings. A major blast in 2013 at a propane plant in Tavares injured several workers and triggered a statewide review of gas storage regulations. In 2020, a mobile food truck explosion in Fort Lauderdale sent multiple people to hospital and was later traced to a leaky propane connection.

These incidents led to tighter regulations around tank storage, employee training, and equipment inspection. However, enforcement remains uneven. Investigators in the Florida City incident will likely review whether systemic safety lapses or local-level gaps contributed to the failure on May 24.

How Did Emergency Crews Respond at the Scene?

Within minutes of the explosion, over two dozen Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units arrived at the site. Firefighters began by clearing debris, securing the gas lines, and ensuring there were no further explosions. K9 teams were deployed to search for any victims possibly trapped beneath rubble. Hazmat officers worked to shut off all utility feeds to prevent secondary ignition.

Division Chief Horacio Rodriguez said that the rapid arrival and coordinated response prevented any further casualties. Emergency medics established a triage area in the parking lot and prioritized transport for trauma patients via airlift. Road closures were enforced in the area, and a perimeter was established around the entire strip mall block.

What Are Residents and Witnesses Saying?

Local residents and business owners expressed shock and concern. Witnesses described the explosion as deafening. “It shook the ground,” said one local business owner who spoke to WSVN News. “I saw smoke, then glass everywhere.” Others said they had been planning to visit the new restaurant for its soft opening that afternoon and were stunned to learn it had become the site of a major emergency.

Online footage shared across social media platforms showed emergency crews working around mangled storefronts, with flashing lights illuminating a scene filled with debris and scorched materials. Community members have since started collecting support for the injured, including GoFundMe pages for affected employees.

What Happens Next in the Investigation?

The strip mall remains closed as investigators work to determine the root cause of the explosion. The Miami-Dade County Unsafe Structures board will evaluate whether the damaged units need to be demolished. A preliminary damage estimate has not yet been released, but officials have said the building suffered “catastrophic impact” in at least two units.

Once the fire marshal’s findings are complete, authorities will determine whether to file safety violations, levy civil penalties, or recommend changes to local business permitting processes. No criminal charges are currently expected, but that could change pending new findings.