NEW YORK (Civitas Global) — One civilian has died and 36 others have been injured in a fire and two explosions at a New York City shipyard on Friday, according to officials. The incident unfolded in a 150-foot by 150-foot metal structure at the back of the yard, where firefighters were responding to a call about trapped workers.
Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said multiple calls came in around 3:30 p.m. reporting smoke and two workers trapped in the basement. Firefighting crews arrived within six minutes, but shortly after, a blast occurred, injuring multiple first responders and civilians, including one who died at the scene. A second explosion followed, causing severe injuries to several fire department members.
This was a complex, fast-developing emergency situation, said New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a news conference. The fire marshal and a firefighter who were inside the structure were hit by the shock wave and sustained critical injuries. The fire marshal, now in critical but stable condition, has a fractured skull and a small brain bleed, while the firefighter was initially in serious condition but is recovering well.
Over 200 firefighters remain on scene with the fire still burning but under control. Fire Department Chief of Department John Esposito emphasized the dangers of confined-space operations: Confined spaces are very dangerous operations for any rescuers. Five firefighters and rescue paramedics were searching for the trapped workers inside and next to the structure when the second blast occurred, causing additional injuries.
The fire department's chief medical officer, Dr. David Prezant, reported the firefighter is doing very well and being observed for potential muscle injuries, while the fire marshal is monitored for possible brain swelling. Richard Oviogor, a nearby resident, described hearing two explosions and a big shock wave as he watched the emergency unfold.
The shipyard, once owned by Bethlehem Steel and used for World War II naval shipbuilding, is home to a coffee roasting company and self-storage facility. The incident highlights safety concerns in industrial zones, prompting officials to call for a review of protocols for confined-space rescues. With the fire contained and the investigation underway, residents near the waterfront have been advised to avoid the area.}
Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said multiple calls came in around 3:30 p.m. reporting smoke and two workers trapped in the basement. Firefighting crews arrived within six minutes, but shortly after, a blast occurred, injuring multiple first responders and civilians, including one who died at the scene. A second explosion followed, causing severe injuries to several fire department members.
This was a complex, fast-developing emergency situation, said New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a news conference. The fire marshal and a firefighter who were inside the structure were hit by the shock wave and sustained critical injuries. The fire marshal, now in critical but stable condition, has a fractured skull and a small brain bleed, while the firefighter was initially in serious condition but is recovering well.
Over 200 firefighters remain on scene with the fire still burning but under control. Fire Department Chief of Department John Esposito emphasized the dangers of confined-space operations: Confined spaces are very dangerous operations for any rescuers. Five firefighters and rescue paramedics were searching for the trapped workers inside and next to the structure when the second blast occurred, causing additional injuries.
The fire department's chief medical officer, Dr. David Prezant, reported the firefighter is doing very well and being observed for potential muscle injuries, while the fire marshal is monitored for possible brain swelling. Richard Oviogor, a nearby resident, described hearing two explosions and a big shock wave as he watched the emergency unfold.
The shipyard, once owned by Bethlehem Steel and used for World War II naval shipbuilding, is home to a coffee roasting company and self-storage facility. The incident highlights safety concerns in industrial zones, prompting officials to call for a review of protocols for confined-space rescues. With the fire contained and the investigation underway, residents near the waterfront have been advised to avoid the area.}
