Tragedy in Miami Gardens: Gas Explosion Suspected in Deadly House Fire That Killed Two

In the early hours of Wednesday, May 7, 2025, tragedy struck a quiet residential neighborhood in Miami Gardens when a violent house fire, believed to have been triggered by a gas explosion, claimed the lives of two people.

According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the blaze broke out around 3:34 a.m. at a home located in the 2000 block of Northwest 185th Terrace. When firefighters arrived, the house was already fully engulfed in flames. The fire was so intense that it caused a partial collapse of the structure, forcing crews to adopt a defensive strategy while working to contain the blaze and protect neighboring homes.

Sadly, two bodies were recovered from the charred remains of the home. Family members later confirmed the victims were a couple who had lived in the house for at least eight years and had been together for nearly two decades.

Tamonjamin Williams, who was staying in the home with his aunt and uncle, managed to escape the inferno and provided a harrowing account of what happened. Williams told reporters he was jolted awake by a thunderous explosion.

“I was laying in the bed asleep, and then I heard an explosion, like, ‘boom!’ And that’s what made me open my eyes and wake up,” he said.

He described how the force of the explosion caused the bedroom ceiling to collapse on top of him. Disoriented and desperate, Williams tried to find his relatives before ultimately making his way out of the burning home.

“I started calling for them as I’m trying to get out the house — I’m calling for her, I’m calling for my uncle. And I couldn’t get out the door,” he said. “And then I opened the curtain and looked out the window. I said, ‘I’m about to go through the window,’ and when I grabbed the door again, God pulled the door open.”

Williams eventually escaped through a security door that had been blown off its hinges by the blast.

While the official cause of the fire has not yet been determined, first responders said early evidence points to a possible gas explosion. Multiple trucks from a local gas company arrived at the scene shortly after the fire was extinguished, and fire investigators are now focused on identifying the exact source of the ignition.

Legal Insight: What Families Should Know After a Deadly House Fire

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we know how devastating it is to lose loved ones under sudden and tragic circumstances. When a fatal house fire involves a potential gas leak, explosion, or defective product, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim.

These civil claims are designed to provide financial compensation for:

• Lost household income or benefits
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs related to the final injury or illness
• Loss of companionship or support

Several parties may be investigated in the aftermath of a fire involving explosions or suspected gas leaks:

• Utility Companies: If a gas line was improperly maintained, not marked correctly, or failed due to corrosion or age, the utility provider may bear responsibility.
• Appliance Manufacturers: Faulty gas-powered appliances, such as water heaters, stoves, or dryers, may contain defects that cause gas leaks or explosions.
• Landlords or Property Owners: In rental properties, landlords have a duty to maintain safe living conditions. Failure to install smoke detectors or fix known gas issues could result in liability.
• Contractors or Repair Services: If a gas line, HVAC system, or appliance was recently installed or serviced incorrectly, the contractor or technician may be at fault.
• Product Manufacturers or Designers: If the explosion was related to a defective component in the gas delivery system, product liability laws may apply.

Our firm represents grieving families across South Florida, including Miami Gardens, who are seeking justice after a wrongful death. If you have questions or suspect negligence may have played a role in the loss of your loved one, contact our attorneys for a free, confidential consultation at 305-638-4143.