NYC shipyard explosion kills at least 1 civilian, injures dozens of firefighters
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A “major” explosion and fire at a Staten Island shipyard Friday afternoon injured dozens of New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighters and first responders and killed one civilian.
FDNY EMS assistant deputy chief Ian Swords confirmed at a press conference Friday night that one civilian died at the scene and 34 FDNY members were taken to local hospitals.
The two most seriously injured patients were a firefighter in critical condition and a firefighter in critical condition. Both were exposed to “blast energy” during the explosion that could have caused internal damage.
The University of Richmond Medical Center said the fire chief had a fractured temporal bone and a small brain hemorrhage and was in critical condition. Doctors are monitoring the firefighter for possible muscle injury.
SEWER TIN EXPLOSION ON HUDSON RIVER, NYC, KILLS 1 CITY WORKER, INJURES 2
First responders were seen near the scene of the explosion and fire at the Staten Island shipyard in New York on Friday afternoon. (WNYW)
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani updated the situation after 21:00 on Friday, saying that the fire was now “under control.”
“Today, a fire broke out in Richmond Terrace on Staten Island, immediately followed by news of an explosion,” he wrote to X. “What occurred was a rapidly moving emergency that claimed one life and injured more than 30 civilians and first responders. The fire is now under control.”
He continued: “Today we mourn the lives lost and hold their families in our hearts. Tonight I visited the family of a firefighter in critical condition and the family of a fire chief in critical condition. I ask every New Yorker to keep the injured and their families in mind. Thank you to the first responders who rushed into danger without hesitation. As you do every day, you put yourself in harm’s way so others can escape. Our city owes you gratitude.”
The incident came to light when authorities received a call at 3:27 p.m. local time reporting that workers were trapped in a confined space at 3075 Richmond Terrace, between Lockman and Andros avenues.
When first responders arrived, they found smoke and a burning fire in the basement of a 150-by-150-foot metal building located behind the shipping docks.
According to FDNY Chief John Esposito, two workers were reportedly trapped and crews went inside to look for them.
A second alarm was raised at 16:08 and just 11 minutes later at 16:19 a “massive explosion” ripped through the site.
HISTORIC NYC CHURCH COVERED IN A 5-ALARM FIRE WHILE 6 FIREMEN WERE INJURED AS THEY BATTLED STABILITY FLAMES
New York Fire Department officials confirmed that at least 16 people were injured in the explosion. (WNYW)
The explosion triggered a massive fire and a major emergency response; The FDNY deployed 68 units and 212 fire and EMS personnel to fight the fire.
“We had firefighters searching inside, on top of the barge and adjacent to the barge,” Esposito said. “We had many injured people. We rescued a civilian who died.”
He said that the fire was under control and all searches were made as of 20:00 local time.
Esposito confirmed that no one’s name was released and that the investigation will continue.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, headquarters and fire officials provided an update following the explosion in Staten Island, New York on Friday evening (WNYW)
Mamdani also expressed gratitude at the press conference to the first responders who rushed to the scene.
“As the fire grew, first responders did what they always do. They ran toward the danger so others could escape to safety,” Mamdani said during the press conference. he said. “Firefighters from all over our city responded. This was an all-hands-on-deck response… I commend each of them for their quick response and bravery.”
“… Once the fire is extinguished, FDNY officers will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire,” he added. “The information we receive will be shared with New Yorkers as soon as we receive it. In the meantime, I ask New Yorkers to keep in mind those who were injured and the person we lost, and I wish them a speedy recovery.”
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New York Attorney General Letitia James, reacting to the tragedy in X, stated that she prayed for everyone injured in the fire.
“Praying for @FDNY firefighters and everyone injured after today’s explosion in Staten Island,” James wrote in a post. “Thank you to the FDNY for their rapid response and protecting New Yorkers every day.”
This is an evolving story. Please check back for updates.
