NEW YORK (FlashPoint) — One civilian died and 36 people were injured, including 18 firefighters and other first responders, after a fire and two explosions at a New York City shipyard on Friday, officials confirmed. The incident occurred at a 150-foot by 150-foot metal structure at the rear of the shipyard.
Multiple calls came in around 3:30 p.m. reporting smoke and two workers trapped in the basement. Fire crews arrived within six minutes, but an explosion immediately followed, injuring several responders and civilians. A second, more powerful blast struck crews still searching for trapped workers, causing the most severe injuries.
The mayor described it as a 'complex, fast-developing emergency,' noting that fire marshal and firefighter suffered critical injuries from the shock wave. The fire marshal is in critical but stable condition with a fractured skull and brain bleed, while the firefighter remains hospitalized for muscle injury monitoring. Fire officials confirmed the fire is under control but 200 firefighters remain on scene.
Eyewitness Richard Oviogor described hearing 'two explosions and what seemed like a big shock wave.' The shipyard, once owned by Bethlehem Steel and used for WWII Navy shipbuilding, now houses a coffee roasting facility and self-storage business. An investigation into the cause is underway.}
Multiple calls came in around 3:30 p.m. reporting smoke and two workers trapped in the basement. Fire crews arrived within six minutes, but an explosion immediately followed, injuring several responders and civilians. A second, more powerful blast struck crews still searching for trapped workers, causing the most severe injuries.
The mayor described it as a 'complex, fast-developing emergency,' noting that fire marshal and firefighter suffered critical injuries from the shock wave. The fire marshal is in critical but stable condition with a fractured skull and brain bleed, while the firefighter remains hospitalized for muscle injury monitoring. Fire officials confirmed the fire is under control but 200 firefighters remain on scene.
Eyewitness Richard Oviogor described hearing 'two explosions and what seemed like a big shock wave.' The shipyard, once owned by Bethlehem Steel and used for WWII Navy shipbuilding, now houses a coffee roasting facility and self-storage business. An investigation into the cause is underway.}
