A powerful explosion and fire at a shipyard on Staten Island, New York, left at least 16 people injured Friday, including firefighters responding to the scene, according to officials.
The incident occurred along Richmond Terrace at a dockside facility, where emergency crews were dispatched after reports that workers were trapped inside a structure.
Officials with the New York City Fire Department said the call came in around mid afternoon, with firefighters arriving to find a blaze burning in the basement of a metal building near the shipping docks.
Roughly 50 minutes after crews began battling the fire, a large explosion tore through the site, escalating the emergency and triggering distress calls from firefighters inside the structure.
Authorities said all firefighters who issued emergency alerts were later accounted for and received medical attention.
By early evening, at least 16 people had been treated for injuries. The victims included firefighters and emergency medical personnel, along with at least one civilian worker. Three individuals suffered serious injuries, while others were listed in moderate to minor condition and transported to nearby hospitals.
Fire officials said one additional worker may still be unaccounted for, though that status had not been confirmed.
The blaze continued to burn for hours as crews worked to contain it, with road closures put in place to allow emergency operations to proceed.
The cause of the explosion and fire remains under investigation.
The Associated Press confirmed the timeline of events, noting that firefighters were still engaged in suppression efforts when the explosion occurred, significantly increasing the number of injuries.
Industrial sites such as shipyards present heightened risks during fire emergencies due to the presence of fuel, chemicals, and confined spaces. The sequence described by officials, an initial fire followed by a delayed explosion, often points to the buildup of flammable gases or pressure within enclosed areas.
The number of injured responders highlights the dangers faced by firefighters operating in unpredictable environments. Emergency alerts issued during the incident suggest that conditions deteriorated rapidly, a scenario that can challenge even experienced crews.
This event also raises questions about workplace safety measures and hazard controls in industrial zones along New York’s waterfront. Investigators will likely examine whether proper storage protocols, ventilation systems, and emergency safeguards were in place.
In the broader context, incidents like this often lead to reviews of safety regulations and enforcement, particularly in aging infrastructure areas where industrial and residential zones intersect. The outcome of the investigation could influence future safety standards and emergency response strategies across similar facilities in the region.
ABC/AP
