A “major” explosion and fire at a Staten Island shipyard Friday afternoon left dozens of firefighters and first responders injured, and one civilian dead.
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) confirmed 34 people were taken to area hospitals.
Among those in the most serious condition are a fire marshal, a firefighter and a civilian.
The fire marshal reportedly suffered a brain bleed and remains in critical condition, officials said during a news briefing Friday evening.
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The incident unfolded when authorities received a call at 3:27 p.m. local time reporting workers trapped in a confined space at 3075 Richmond Terrace, between Lockman and Andros avenues.
When first responders arrived, they found smoke and a fire burning in the basement of a 150-by-150-foot metal building situated at the back of the shipping docks.
Two people were trapped, according to New York City Fire Department Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore. No other people remain unaccounted for.
A second alarm was transmitted at 4:08 p.m., and just 11 minutes later, a “major explosion” tore through the site at 4:19 p.m.
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The blast triggered a large fire and massive emergency response, with the FDNY deploying 68 units and 212 fire and EMS personnel to combat the blaze.
FDNY operations remain ongoing. New York City HazMat teams, the Department of Buildings (DOB) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) were notified.
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.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.