( CNN ) -- An Independence Day celebration ended in tragedy when three boats collided near a Miami marina , killing four people and injuring as many as a dozen more , authorities said . The accident happened near the Dinner Key Marina in Biscayne Bay around 10:45 p.m. Friday following a fireworks display , as a crowd of boaters was making their way back to shore . `` One vessel crashed into another , then that vessel hit a third , '' Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer Jorge Pino said Saturday . Pino said up to five people were thrown into the water after the crash and as many as 12 were transported to local hospitals . Those hurt include several children with minor injuries . Two victims died at a hospital Friday night , he said , and two more deceased victims were found in the water Saturday morning . One person is hospitalized in critical condition , according to Pino . Afterward , at least one of the boats towed back to shore had a gaping hole in its side . `` It 's possible that these boats were rushing to get back to the boat ramp to get out of the water , '' Pino said . The commission is investigating the tragedy and has not yet released the names or ages of any of the victims .
As many as 12 injured boaters were taken to local hospitals , state official says . The incident took place near a marina in Biscayne Bay late on July 4th . Comment: 2 died Friday night at a hospital ; 2 more dead were found in the water Saturday , he adds .