At least 1 killed, 36 injured in 'major' explosion and fire at New York City shipyard

STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK: One person died, and 36 people, mostly members of the New York City Fire Department, were severely injured in a ‘major’ explosion and fire at a Staten Island shipyard in New York City on Friday, May 22.

The incident took place at around 3.27 pm local time when authorities received calls of workers trapped in a confined space at 3075 Richmond Terrace, between Lockman and Andros avenues.

Upon their arrival, first responders were met with heavy smoke, low visibility, and a fire burning in the basement of a large metal structure at the dock, said Joanne Mariano with the fire department’s press office.

Crews were still battling the blaze when a massive explosion ripped through the site nearly 50 minutes later. The cause of the fire and explosion is still under investigation.

Firefighters injured in explosion

Officials confirmed that 36 people were rushed to the hospital following the horrifying explosion. Among those in the most serious condition are firefighters and first responders.

One person killed in the explosion is confirmed to be a civilian. One fire marshal has also suffered a brain bleed and remains in critical condition, officials said during a news briefing Friday evening.

Several firefighters issued maydays while battling the blaze. They have all been located and are being treated.

Richard Oviogor, who was nearby at the time, told WABC-TV he heard two explosions followed by what felt like a “massive shock wave.”

"We saw a bunch of fire trucks, and I heard someone say every single fire truck and police officer on the entire island was over here," said the witness, adding, "A couple minutes later, a massive explosion, shock wave came in and a person in a white suit, I think the captain, said 'back up.'"

Mamdani calls explosion a ‘complex’ situation

During a press conference following the explosion, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that he “met with the firefighter and his family, as well as the fire marshal's family.”

“I want to make very clear just how much we appreciate work, how life-saving it is, how transformative it is for so many families who can rest assured knowing that there are men and women like these who will do everything in their power to keep them safe,” he continued.

New York Attorney General Letitia James reacted to the tragedy on X, noting she is praying for everyone injured in the fire.

“I’m praying for the @FDNY firefighters and everyone injured after the explosion in Staten Island today," James wrote in a post. "Thank you to the FDNY for their swift response and for protecting New Yorkers everyday."