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Fatal explosion rocks Staten Island shipyard
One civilian died and at least 34 people were injured Friday after an explosion on a barge at a Staten Island shipyard in New York City, authorities confirmed.
Timeline of the incident
The emergency began around 15:30 local time (19:30 GMT) with reports of workers trapped and a fire at the dock. Approximately 50 minutes later, an explosion occurred, drawing additional firefighters and first responders to the scene.
(15:30) Emergency calls reported workers trapped inside a confined space as flames spread through a metal structure at the shipyard.
(16:20) A blast rocked the area, injuring multiple responders already on site.
Casualties and response
The New York City Fire Department confirmed the fatality was a civilian. Among the injured, one fire marshal remains in critical condition and one firefighter is in serious condition, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said during an evening news conference.
Joanne Mariano, a spokesperson for the fire department, told the Associated Press that two workers were initially trapped in the confined space where the fire originated.
Investigation and impact
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire or the subsequent explosion. The blaze started in the basement of a metal structure at the dock, according to initial reports.
Officials warned residents to expect traffic delays and road closures near the shipyard as emergency crews continue to secure the area.
Mayor's statement
"This was a complex, fast-developing emergency situation."
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani
