A catastrophic explosion at a shipyard in New York City has resulted in at least one fatality and left many others injured.
The blast shook the dry dock in Mariners Harbor, Staten Island, approximately 50 minutes after a blaze ignited aboard a vessel around 3:30 p.m.
Firefighters were battling the fire in the basement of a 150-square-foot metal structure, where at least two workers were trapped when the explosion occurred.
By 5 p.m., 37 individuals, including over a dozen firefighters, were reported injured, according to FDNY spokesperson Joanna Mariano, as relayed to the Daily Mail.
So far, a civilian has been identified as the only casualty. Among the injured, two firefighters and another person are in critical condition, while two additional firefighters sustained moderate injuries.
The remaining victims, including two EMS workers who were transported to a Staten Island hospital, experienced minor injuries.
‘This was a complex, fast developing emergency situation,’ NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at a press conference on Friday evening.
‘One fire marshal is in critical condition and one firefighter is in serious condition,’ Mamdani continued.
Fire crews were fighting a blaze inside an 150 sq ft metal structure which trapped at least two workers trapped when the explosion occurred on Friday afternoon
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that over 30 civilians and emergency responders were injured, with one civilian dead, as crews continued to battle the fire
Mamdani added that emergency responders remained on scene trying to contain and quell the fire. FDNY later told the Daily Mail that the fire was under control as of 7.20pm
‘A few minutes ago I met with the firefighter and his family, as well as the fire marshal’s family. I am deeply moved by their courage as well as by their service to this city.
‘I am heartbroken to report that one civilian has passed away. I send my deepest condolences to their loved ones.’
Mamdani added that emergency responders remained on scene trying to contain and quell the fire. FDNY later told the Daily Mail that the fire was under control as of 7.20pm.
The scene had more than 200 firefighters and emergency medical personnel on site on Friday evening, according to Mariano.
Around 70 units were dispatched, as fire and EMS personnel arrived on scene, FDNY confirmed.
The area is home to several businesses, including a coffee roasting company and a self-storage facility. The shipyard used to be owned by the Bethlehem Steel Company, which built ships for the US Navy during World War II.
Richard Obiozor, a local of the area, told ABC 7: ‘We saw a bunch of fire trucks and I heard someone say every single fire truck and police officer on the entire island was over here.’
‘A couple minutes later, a massive explosion, shock wave came in and a person in a white suit, I think the captain, said “back up,”‘ he added.
Councilmember Joann Ariola said on Facebook: ‘Our hearts go out to the family of the civilian who died in today’s devastating Staten Island dry dock explosion. Praying for all those injured, especially the brave firefighters and first responders who rushed toward danger to protect others.
Around 70 units were dispatched, as 200 fire and EMS personnel arrived on scene
‘As Chair of Fire and Emergency Management, I want to thank the FDNY and every emergency worker on scene for your courage and unwavering commitment to our city. New Yorkers should never forget the heroes who answer the call when seconds matter most.
‘Please keep all the injured workers, firefighters, and their families in your thoughts and prayers tonight.’
The cause of the fire and the explosion remain unclear as the investigation continues.
This is a breaking news story.
