A devastating blast at a Staten Island dry dock facility Friday resulted in one fatality and left 36 people wounded, according to officials. The explosion occurred while fire crews were already responding to an active blaze and working to free two individuals who had become trapped.
Among the injured were two firefighters who required hospitalization. One fire marshal sustained severe injuries including a skull fracture and brain hemorrhage, requiring intubation for treatment. The second firefighter remained in serious but improving condition, authorities reported.
“This was a complex, fast-developing emergency situation,” New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani told reporters.
“First responders did what they always do: they ran towards danger so others could escape to safety.”
Authorities confirmed the fatality was a civilian but released no additional information about the victim’s identity.
Mamdani stated that a thorough investigation would commence after crews fully suppress the remaining fire.
Fire departments had initially responded to reports of a basement fire with two workers trapped inside when the explosion took place, according to officials.
The emergency unfolded in Staten Island’s Richmond Terrace area, located in the New York City borough situated across the harbor from Manhattan.
