New York: One person died and 36 others wounded when a powerful explosion erupted at a dry dock facility on Staten Island on Friday afternoon, striking just as emergency crews were already on-site fighting a fire and trying to free two trapped workers, city officials confirmed, Reuters reported.
The explosion happened at around 3:30 p.m. in Richmond Terrace, an industrial area of Staten Island located across the harbour from Manhattan. Firefighters had been dispatched to a basement fire and were in the process of rescuing two workers when the blast suddenly occurred.
“This was a complex, fast-developing emergency situation,” New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani told reporters. “First responders did what they always do: they ran towards danger so others could escape to safety.”
Critical Injuries To Fire Crew
Among those hurt w
ere two firefighters who required hospitalization. One, a fire marshal, sustained severe injuries including a fractured temple and bleeding in the brain, necessitating intubation; he remains in critical condition. The other firefighter was initially in serious condition but has since begun recovering, officials said.
Of the 36 total injuries, 34 involved FDNY personnel, while the other two victims were civilians working at the shipyard.
Victim’s Identity Withheld
Officials have not disclosed the name or any personal details about the civilian who died, confirming only that the deceased was not a member of the fire department or emergency services. No information has been released about age, job, or how the person died.
The fate of the two workers who were reportedly trapped when firefighters arrived remains unclear. They have not been explicitly identified in official casualty reports, leaving open the possibility that one or both may be among those killed or injured, though authorities have not verified this.
Probe To Begin After Fire Out
Mayor Mamdani stated that a full investigation into what sparked the fire and caused the explosion will launch as soon as the blaze is completely out.