One civilian was killed and at least 31 people were injured following a fire and explosions at a shipyard in Staten Island, New York, on Friday afternoon. The incident prompted a large-scale response from the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY).
Incident Timeline
The FDNY received a report of a fire and workers trapped at approximately 3:30 p.m. at 3075 Richmond Terrace, in the Mariners Harbor neighborhood. Firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) crews arrived at the scene within six minutes.
The fire was located in a confined space and a 150-foot by 150-foot metal structure at the rear of the shipyard, near a dry dock.
While firefighters were working to extinguish the fire and search for two reported trapped workers, a first explosion occurred at approximately 4:20 p.m., injuring multiple firefighters and civilians. A second explosion followed, injuring additional personnel who were operating inside, on top of, and next to the structure. Witnesses reported hearing two explosions and feeling a shock wave.
Casualties and Injuries
- Fatalities: One civilian was killed at the scene. The name of the deceased had not been released as of Saturday.
- Injuries: A total of at least 31 people were injured, though some reports placed the number as high as 36. Injuries include:
- Civilian: One civilian was wounded.
- Firefighters: Two firefighters suffered serious injuries. One FDNY Fire Marshal, identified as Christopher Cuccaro, is in critical but stable condition with a fractured skull and a small brain bleed. Another firefighter was in serious condition but was reported to be doing well. Two firefighters sustained moderate injuries. Nine firefighters sustained minor injuries.
- EMS: Two EMS members sustained minor injuries. In total, four EMS personnel had minor injuries.
- Several firefighters issued maydays during the incident, but all personnel were located and accounted for, receiving medical treatment.
"The injured fire marshal is in critical but stable condition and will be monitored for brain swelling." — Dr. David Prezant, Chief Medical Officer
Response
Approximately 200 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to the scene. The fire remained burning but was reported to be under control on Friday evening. Officials advised drivers to avoid the area due to road closures.
Investigation
The cause of the fire and the explosion remains under investigation. Investigators will begin their inquiry as soon as the scene is deemed safe. The area houses several businesses, including a coffee roasting company and a self-storage facility. The shipyard was formerly owned by the Bethlehem Steel Company, which built ships for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Official Statements
- Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore stated that responders were "lucky" no firefighters were killed and expressed regret over the civilian fatality.
- Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Prezant stated that the injured fire marshal is in critical but stable condition and will be monitored for brain swelling. Dr. Prezant also noted that the two seriously injured firefighters do not have penetrating injuries or blast damage to internal organs.