A boat fire in Long Beach on Saturday night resulted in two fatalities and left three others critically injured. According to the Long Beach Fire Department, crews responded to the fire near the 200 block of Marina Drive in Alamitos Bay around 5:17 p.m.
At the scene, five people were found with injuries. Two were pronounced dead, while the other three, who sustained critical burn-related injuries, were airlifted to local hospitals for treatment.
The fire broke out on a 35-foot pleasure craft that was near a fuel dock close to Fire Station 21. Images from the scene depicted large plumes of smoke engulfing the pier as onlookers watched in shock. Firefighters from both land and marine units were dispatched to contain the blaze.
The boat, particularly the stern, appeared to be extensively damaged due to the fire.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined as the deadly incident is still under investigation. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed. This tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of adhering to fire safety measures on water vessels.