A devastating fire at a New York City shipyard on Friday led to two powerful explosions, resulting in one fatality and at least 36 injuries, including among firefighters and first responders, officials confirmed. The incident was characterized by authorities as a “complex, fast-developing emergency,” with crews battling the blaze late into the night.
Details of the Incident
The fire ignited around 3:30 p.m. local time at a 150-foot-by-150-foot metal structure situated at the rear of the shipyard. Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore reported that emergency services arrived at the scene within six minutes after multiple callers reported smoke and two workers trapped in the basement. Shortly after firefighters arrived, the first explosion tore through the structure, injuring several fire department personnel and civilians. One civilian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Second Explosion and Injuries
Chief of Department John Esposito stated that a second blast occurred while five firefighters and rescue paramedics were searching for the trapped workers inside and around the structure. This explosion caused additional injuries, with the most severe sustained by a firefighter and a fire marshal who were inside the building when the shock wave hit. According to Fire Department chief medical officer Dr. David Prezant, as quoted by the Associated Press, the fire marshal remains in critical but stable condition with a fractured skull and a minor brain bleed. Doctors are closely monitoring him for possible brain swelling over the next 24 hours. The injured firefighter was initially listed in serious condition but was “doing very well” by Friday evening and remained under observation for potential muscle injuries, Prezant added.
Official Response
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the situation as “a complex, fast-developing emergency situation” during an evening briefing. More than 200 firefighters continued to work at the site Friday night as the blaze remained under control but had not been fully extinguished. Officials stated that a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire and explosions would commence once the area is secured.
Eyewitness Account
Eyewitness Richard Oviogor told local broadcaster WABC-TV that he heard two explosions followed by what felt like a “big shock wave.” The shipyard area houses several commercial businesses, including a coffee roasting facility and a self-storage company. The site was previously owned by Bethlehem Steel, which built ships for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
