Explosion at Staten Island Shipyard Injures 16

A significant explosion and subsequent fire at a shipyard in Staten Island on Friday afternoon left at least 16 individuals injured, notably affecting over a dozen firefighters and first responders.

According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), all 16 were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The injuries varied; there was one civilian and two firefighters with serious injuries, while two firefighters sustained moderate injuries, and another nine firefighters along with two paramedics suffered minor injuries.

The explosion occurred at approximately 3:27 p.m. local time after authorities responded to reports of an employee trapped in a confined space at 3075 Richmond Terrace, between Lockman and Andros streets. Upon arrival, first responders encountered a fire in the basement of a large metal building situated behind the shipping dock.

A second alarm was activated at 4:08 p.m., just minutes before a “huge explosion” rocked the area at 4:19 p.m.

The incident prompted a massive emergency response, with the FDNY dispatching 68 units and 212 fire and emergency personnel to combat the flames. Operations are still ongoing as teams from the New York City Hazardous Materials Response Team, the Department of Buildings, and the Department of Environmental Protection have been alerted.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James expressed her condolences on social media, saying she was praying for everyone affected by the explosion. “Rest in peace to the @FDNY firefighters and everyone injured in today’s incident on Staten Island,” she noted, appreciating the quick actions of the FDNY in protecting the community.

This situation remains fluid, so updates will follow as additional information becomes available.