A massive explosion at a Staten Island dry dock killed one civilian and injured 36 people on Friday afternoon, New York City officials reported.
The blast occurred at 4:19 p. m.
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at a metal building on Richmond Terrace, between Lockman and Andros avenues, as emergency crews were responding to a basement fire.
Fire Department officials said 68 units and 212 fire and EMS personnel from across the city were dispatched after calls reported trapped workers.
Among the 36 injured, 34 were FDNY and EMS members who suffered various injuries from the blast, according to FDNY EMS Deputy Assistant Chief Ian Swords.
Hospital officials at Richmond University Medical Center said a fire marshal remained in critical condition with a temporal fracture and a small brain bleed, while a second firefighter was hospitalized in serious condition.
FDNY Chief John Esposito said the fire was brought under control by 8 p. m.
and all searches were completed with no one unaccounted for.
“We had firefighters inside conducting searches, and on top of the barge and adjacent to the barge,” Esposito said.
“We had several that were injured. We did recover a deceased civilian.”
Mayor and Officials Respond
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed reporters Friday night, saying a comprehensive investigation by FDNY marshals would begin once the site was fully extinguished.
“This was a complex, fast-developing emergency situation,” Mamdani said.
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The mayor praised the quick actions of emergency crews who arrived to rescue trapped dock workers.
“First responders did what they always do: they ran towards danger so others could escape to safety,” Mamdani said.
In a statement on X, Mamdani confirmed the blaze was contained and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased civilian.
“Today, a fire broke out on Richmond Terrace on Staten Island, followed soon after by reports of an explosion,” Mamdani wrote.
“What unfolded was a fast-moving emergency that claimed one life and left more than 30 civilians and first responders injured.
The fire is now under control.”
The mayor asked New Yorkers to support the recovery of injured first responders, noting he had visited the hospital to support families of the critically injured.
“We mourn the life that was lost today, and we hold their family in our hearts,” Mamdani added.
“Tonight I visited a firefighter in serious condition, as well as the family of a fire marshal who remains in critical condition.”
Mamdani said detailed findings on the cause of the industrial accident would be shared publicly after the fire marshal investigation concludes.
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New York Attorney General Letitia James also issued a public statement via social media regarding the emergency response.
