Explosion at New York dry dock injures 16, including firefighters

NEW YORK, May 23 (YPA) – An explosion at a shipbuilding and maintenance dry dock on Staten Island injured 16 people on Friday, including 13 firefighters, according to U.S. authorities.

The New York City Fire Department said one firefighter remains in critical condition, while two others and one civilian sustained serious injuries.

Authorities said emergency crews responded around 3:40 p.m. local time to reports of a fire aboard a barge docked at a shipyard facility on Richmond Terrace in the Mariners Harbor area. Rescue teams later faced a difficult operation after reports indicated that individuals were trapped in a confined space at the site.

Officials declared a second alarm shortly after the fire intensified, and a powerful explosion occurred minutes later. All injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The incident prompted a large emergency response involving fire engines, police units, and aerial monitoring helicopters. City officials also warned residents about major traffic disruptions and road closures in the surrounding area.

Specialized hazardous materials teams, alongside city building and environmental authorities, have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion.