A major explosion and fire at a Staten Island shipyard on Friday afternoon left one civilian dead and dozens of New York City Fire Department (FDNY) personnel injured.
Explosion and Fire at Staten Island Shipyard
FDNY EMS Deputy Assistant Chief Ian Swords confirmed that 34 FDNY members were taken to local hospitals. One civilian died at the scene.
Two responders are in serious condition: a fire marshal with a temporal fracture and a small brain bleed, and a firefighter suffering internal injuries from the blast. Richmond University Medical Center said the fire marshal remains in critical condition, while doctors are monitoring the firefighter for muscle injuries.
Fire Now Under Control
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the fire was under control by Friday night. “What unfolded was a fast-moving emergency that claimed one life and left more than 30 civilians and first responders injured,” he wrote on X. He praised the bravery of first responders who rushed into danger to save others.
How the Incident Happened
Authorities received a call at 3:27 p.m. about workers trapped in a confined space at 3075 Richmond Terrace, between Lockman and Andros avenues.
Responders found smoke and fire burning in the basement of a large 150-by-150-foot metal building at the shipping docks.
Two workers were reportedly trapped inside, prompting crews to enter and search for them.
A second alarm was called at 4:08 p.m., and just 11 minutes later, a major explosion tore through the site at 4:19 p.m., triggering a large fire. The FDNY deployed 68 units and 212 fire and EMS personnel to fight the blaze.
FDNY Chief John Esposito said firefighters were conducting searches inside and on top of a barge near the fire. “We did recover a deceased civilian. Several firefighters were injured, but no one is unaccounted for,” he said.
Ongoing Investigation
Mayor Mamdani said that once the fire is fully extinguished, FDNY marshals will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause. “The information will be shared with New Yorkers as soon as we have it,” he said, asking everyone to keep the injured and the family of the deceased in their thoughts.
Support from Officials
New York Attorney General Letitia James expressed her concern on X, saying, “I’m praying for the @FDNY firefighters and everyone injured after the explosion in Staten Island today. Thank you to the FDNY for their swift response and for protecting New Yorkers every day.”
