A devastating explosion and subsequent fire at a Staten Island shipyard on Friday afternoon resulted in the tragic death of one civilian and injuries to numerous New York City Fire Department (FDNY) personnel.
During a press briefing on Friday evening, FDNY EMS Deputy Assistant Chief Ian Swords confirmed the civilian’s death and reported that 34 FDNY members had been transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Among the injured, a fire marshal and a firefighter are in the most critical condition, having sustained severe injuries from the blast’s impact, which can lead to significant internal harm. The fire marshal is currently suffering from a temporal fracture and a minor brain bleed, with medical staff at Richmond University Medical Center closely monitoring his condition. Meanwhile, the firefighter is being observed for potential muscle injuries.
The scene of the explosion and fire at the Staten Island shipyard was swarming with first responders in the wake of the incident, which has drawn considerable attention and concern across New York City.
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First responders were spotted near the scene of the explosion and fire at a Staten Island, New York, shipyard Friday afternoon. (WNYW)
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani updated the situation after 9 p.m. on Friday, saying the fire was now “under control.”
“Today, a fire broke out on Richmond Terrace on Staten Island, followed soon after by reports of an explosion,” he wrote on X. ”What unfolded was a fast-moving emergency that claimed one life and left more than 30 civilians and first responders injured. The fire is now under control.”
He continued, “We mourn the life that was lost today, and we hold their family in our hearts. Tonight I visited a firefighter in serious condition, as well as the family of a fire marshal who remains in critical condition. I ask every New Yorker to keep those injured — and their families — in your thoughts. To the first responders who rushed toward danger without hesitation: thank you. As you do every day, you put yourselves in harm’s way so others could escape. Our city owes you a debt of gratitude.”
The incident unfolded when authorities received a call at 3:27 p.m. local time reporting workers trapped in a confined space at 3075 Richmond Terrace, between Lockman and Andros avenues.
When first responders arrived, they found smoke and a fire burning in the basement of a 150-by-150-foot metal building situated at the back of the shipping docks.
Two workers were reportedly trapped and crews entered to search for them, according to FDNY Chief John Esposito.
A second alarm was transmitted at 4:08 p.m., and just 11 minutes later, a “major explosion” tore through the site at 4:19 p.m.
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New York City Fire Department officials confirmed at least 16 people were injured in the explosion. (WNYW)
The blast triggered a large fire and massive emergency response, with the FDNY deploying 68 units and 212 fire and EMS personnel to combat the blaze.
“We had firefighters inside conducting searches, and on top of the barge and adjacent to the barge,” Esposito said. “We had several that were injured. We did recover a deceased civilian.”
He said the fire was under control and all searches were conducted, as of 8 p.m. local time.
No one is unaccounted for and there will be an ongoing investigation, Esposito confirmed.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, center, and fire officials provide an update Friday evening after the explosion in Staten Island, N.Y. (WNYW)
Mamdani also expressed his gratitude to every first responder who rushed to the scene in the press conference.
“As the fire grew, first responders did what they always do. They ran towards danger, so others could escape to safety,” Mamdani said during the news conference. “Firefighters responded from all across our city. This has been an all-hands-on-deck response … I commend each of them for their quick response and for their courage.”
“… Once the fire has been extinguished, FDNY marshals will hold a comprehensive investigation into its cause,” he added. “The information that yields will then be shared with New Yorkers as soon as we have it. In the meantime, I want to ask New Yorkers to keep those who have been injured, and the person we lost, in our thoughts and to wish them a quick recovery.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James reacted to the tragedy on X, noting she is praying for everyone injured in the fire.
“I’m praying for the @FDNY firefighters and everyone injured after the explosion in Staten Island today,” James wrote in a post. “Thank you to the FDNY for their swift response and for protecting New Yorkers every day.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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