Fire and Explosions at NYC Shipyard Result in Fatality and Injuries

NEW YORK (AP) — A fire accompanied by two explosions at a New York City shipyard claimed one life, officials have reported. The incident on Friday led to injuries for 36 individuals, the majority of whom were firefighters and first responders. Tragically, a civilian died at the scene.

A second explosion seriously injured a firefighter and a fire marshal who were inside the structure at the time. The shock wave from the blast affected both men, causing significant harm.

“This was a complex, fast-developing emergency situation,” stated New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a press conference on Friday evening.

The fire department received multiple calls around 3:30 p.m., indicating smoke and that two workers were trapped in the basement of a 150-foot by 150-foot (46 meters by 46 meters) metal structure located at the back of the shipyard, according to Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore.

Firefighting and EMS crews arrived at the location within six minutes. Upon their arrival, an explosion occurred, resulting in serious injuries for many fire department members and a few civilians, including one fatality.

Chief of Department John Esposito noted that a fire marshal and a firefighter sustained the most severe injuries when a second blast discharged an energy wave. The confined spaces at the site posed significant hazards for rescuers.

The fire marshal is in critical but stable condition with a fractured skull and a small brain bleed. Dr. David Prezant, the fire department’s chief medical officer, explained that they will monitor him closely for the next 24 hours to ensure no further brain swelling occurs. If additional swelling is avoided, recovery is expected.

The firefighter, originally in serious condition, showed significant improvement by Friday evening. Continuous observation is underway to rule out muscle injuries.

The fire remained under control by Friday night, yet over 200 firefighters were present at the scene. Mayor Mamdani confirmed that an extensive investigation into the fire’s cause would commence swiftly.

Witness Richard Oviogor, speaking to WABC-TV, reported hearing two explosions and feeling a substantial shock wave.

The location houses multiple establishments, such as a coffee roasting company and a self-storage facility. Previously, the Bethlehem Steel Company, known for building U.S. Navy ships during World War II, owned the shipyard.