NEW YORK (AP) — A fire and two explosions at a New York City shipyard Friday killed one person and injured 36 firefighters and first responders, authorities reported. The incident occurred at a 150-foot by 150-foot metal structure at the back of the shipyard, according to officials.
Multiple calls were made around 3:30 p.m. reporting smoke and two workers trapped in the basement. Firefighters arrived within six minutes, but an explosion soon followed, causing serious injuries to several crew members and civilians, including one who died at the scene. Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore confirmed the casualty.
A second explosion occurred while rescuers were searching for the trapped workers, with Chief of Department John Esposito noting that five firefighters and paramedics were inside or near the structure. 'The most serious injuries happened to a fire marshal and a firefighter who were inside and hit by the energy wave from the blast,' Esposito said. He emphasized that confined-space operations are inherently dangerous.
The fire marshal is in critical but stable condition with a fractured skull and a small brain bleed. Fire Department medical officer Dr. David Prezant stated they're monitoring him for brain swelling over the next 24 hours. The firefighter was initially in serious condition but reported 'very well' by Friday evening.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the situation as 'complex and fast-developing.' The fire remains under control but still burning, requiring more than 200 firefighters. An investigation into the cause is underway, with officials emphasizing that a 'comprehensive' review will begin immediately.
Witness Richard Oviogor told WABC-TV he heard two explosions and felt a 'big shock wave.' The shipyard, once owned by Bethlehem Steel and used for WWII Navy shipbuilding, now houses businesses including a coffee roaster and self-storage facility. The incident marks the latest in a series of industrial disasters affecting New York City.}
Multiple calls were made around 3:30 p.m. reporting smoke and two workers trapped in the basement. Firefighters arrived within six minutes, but an explosion soon followed, causing serious injuries to several crew members and civilians, including one who died at the scene. Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore confirmed the casualty.
A second explosion occurred while rescuers were searching for the trapped workers, with Chief of Department John Esposito noting that five firefighters and paramedics were inside or near the structure. 'The most serious injuries happened to a fire marshal and a firefighter who were inside and hit by the energy wave from the blast,' Esposito said. He emphasized that confined-space operations are inherently dangerous.
The fire marshal is in critical but stable condition with a fractured skull and a small brain bleed. Fire Department medical officer Dr. David Prezant stated they're monitoring him for brain swelling over the next 24 hours. The firefighter was initially in serious condition but reported 'very well' by Friday evening.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the situation as 'complex and fast-developing.' The fire remains under control but still burning, requiring more than 200 firefighters. An investigation into the cause is underway, with officials emphasizing that a 'comprehensive' review will begin immediately.
Witness Richard Oviogor told WABC-TV he heard two explosions and felt a 'big shock wave.' The shipyard, once owned by Bethlehem Steel and used for WWII Navy shipbuilding, now houses businesses including a coffee roaster and self-storage facility. The incident marks the latest in a series of industrial disasters affecting New York City.}
