Dryer Explosion In Tamarac Leaves Two Injured

TAMARAC (CBSMiami) – Two people were injured late Thursday night when a dryer exploded in a laundry room. The explosion was so big that it blew an exterior door off its hinges.

Jamal James, 20, and his cousin 16-year-old cousin Anthony Middleton were in the laundry room at Viscaya Villas in Tamarc. Both told fire investigators they smelled gas prior to the explosion, but didn't think it was anything to worry about because they had smelled it before.

Other residents have smelled the gas as well and have reported it to property managers.

"I was taking the clothes out of the washer and he was opening the dryer," said burn victim Anthony Middleton. "He put the coins in and pushed start and we walked out and then boom the fire came at us."

"I still want to thank God I'm here man because I could have been gone," said victim Jamal James.

Both men suffered primarily first-degree burns to their legs, back, and neck as a result of the explosion.

Other residents say they have also smelled the gas before and reported it to property managers.

John Martin, a resident of the complex for years, said he has learned it's better to be safe than sorry.

"I'd rather go some place out and pay a few extra bucks than get blown up. They need to get it fixed you know you want your rent, we want good living conditions. It's as simple as that," said Martin.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. At least one family has been displaced due to the explosion.