Tampa, Fla. — An explosion at a Florida stadium’s kitchen facility injured three people on Sunday, authorities said. The incident, which involved an oven explosion at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, occurred shortly before a scheduled event, complicating operations and causing alarm among the staff and early attendees.
The injured, all staff members of the stadium’s catering service, were near the oven preparing food for the event when the explosion happened. They suffered burns and were quickly transported to a local hospital. Officials stated that none of the injuries were life-threatening but did require immediate medical attention.
Emergency response teams arrived at the scene within minutes of the explosion. Tampa Fire Rescue spokesperson, Capt. Charles Spicola, emphasized the efficiency and rapid response of the emergency teams. “Our teams reacted swiftly to control the situation and ensure everyone’s safety,” Spicola said.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation, but preliminary assessments suggest a malfunction in the oven’s gas line could be responsible. “We are looking into all possibilities including equipment malfunction and operational procedures to understand the exact cause,” Spicola added.
The stadium, mainly used for minor league games and the New York Yankees’ spring training, was evacuated as a precautionary measure. The incident caused a temporary halt to all planned activities, casting uncertainty over the next few scheduled events.
Following the incident, stadium officials reassured the public that all measures would be taken to prevent future occurrences. Stacy Morris, a spokesperson for the stadium, stated, “The safety of our staff and guests is our top priority. We are conducting a thorough review of all our equipment and safety protocols.”
The explosion not only disrupted stadium operations but also raised concerns over safety standards at public venues. Safety consultant, Dr. Harold Franklin, noted, “This incident highlights the need for regular maintenance checks and adherence to safety protocols. It’s crucial for public venues to keep safety as a constant priority.”
Local authorities and the stadium’s management are in discussions about enhancing safety measures and emergency response strategies. Community leaders also called for a town hall meeting to address public concerns and discuss improvements.
While the incident was unfortunate, the quick response and subsequent handling have been commended by local officials. Mayor Jane Castor spoke about the community’s resilience and commitment to safety, “Tampa is strong, and together we will implement practices to ensure such incidents do not happen in the future.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with further updates expected as more information becomes available. The stadium hopes to resume normal operations soon, with additional safety measures in place to reassure the community and patrons.