NEW YORK -- A motorboat with 13 people on board exploded in Fort Lauderdale, US state of Florida, on Monday afternoon, according to US Coast Guard and media reports.

Up to 11 people, including two children, were injured and transported to hospitals.

The explosion took place when the anchored boat was trying to leave the New River Triangle sandbar.

People on board were tossed into water and the cause of the explosion is unknown yet, according to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue spokesperson Frank Guzman.

Local fire investigators, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Fort Lauderdale Police are investigating the cause of the blast.