AT LEAST 15 people have been hospitalised with severe injuries after a horrific boat explosion in Florida.

The charter boat exploded in Biscayne Bay, a bustling tourist spot in Miami, on Saturday.

Biscayne Bay
The boat that exploded was identified as a 40-foot Press Cruiser, Nauti NaborCredit: WSVN 7
 

Biscayne Bay
Passengers were thrown from the vessel with severe burns, according to witnessesCredit: Local 10
Two children are among the victims. One is being treated for 18 per cent burns which have scorched his body.

An adult is also in hospital with burns covering roughly 30 per cent of his skin.

More than 25 dozen emergency crews rushed to the scene at around 12.50p.

On arrival rescue units “encountered multiple patients requiring medical attention”, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said.

Biscayne Bay
Emergency helicopter arrives at the scene in MiamiCredit: WSVN 7
 

Biscayne Bay
Fire crews said the explosion could have come from the boat’s fuel tankCredit: WSVN 7
Officials categorised the incident as a Level 2 Mass Casualty due to the number of victims.

Many were stranded in the water before being hauled onto lifeboats by rescue crews.

Victims were then transported to nearby fuel docks before being rushed to a local hospital.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said it transported 11 people to local hospitals but did not provide details about their condition.