A fire and two explosions at a New York City shipyard resulted in one death and injuries to 36 individuals, according to officials. The victim was a civilian who died at the scene, while most of the injured were first responders, including firefighters.
The emergency began when multiple calls were made to the fire department around 3:30 p.m. Respondents reported smoke and two workers trapped within a basement of a 150-foot by 150-foot metal structure at the shipyard’s rear. Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore stated that firefighting and EMS teams arrived on the scene within six minutes. However, shortly after their arrival, an explosion caused significant injuries to several fire department members and civilians, resulting in one fatality.
Chief of Department John Esposito explained that five firefighters and paramedics were searching for the trapped workers at the time of a second explosion. This caused additional injuries. A fire marshal and a firefighter sustained serious injuries due to the blast’s shock wave. The fire marshal is in critical but stable condition with a fractured skull and brain bleeding, according to Dr. David Prezant, the fire department’s chief medical officer. Dr. Prezant noted he would be monitored for potential brain swelling.
The injured firefighter, initially in serious condition, showed improvement and was being monitored for muscle injuries. Over 200 firefighters were present and managing the situation by Friday night. Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that the fire was under control, with plans underway for a thorough investigation into its cause.
Richard Oviogor, who witnessed the incident, described hearing two significant explosions that caused a “big shock wave.” The shipyard area includes various businesses, such as a coffee roasting company and a self-storage facility. Previously owned by Bethlehem Steel Company, the shipyard built ships for the U.S. Navy during World War II.