1 person died, 36 injured after blast at New York City shipyard, officials say
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- A fire and two explosions at a New York City shipyard resulted in one civilian death and 36 injuries, mostly affecting firefighters and first responders.
- The incident began around 3:30 p.m. when smoke was reported and two workers were trapped in the basement of a metal structure; firefighters arrived within six minutes.
- A second explosion occurred while rescue efforts were underway, seriously injuring a fire marshal and a firefighter inside the structure due to the blast's shock wave.
- The fire marshal is in critical but stable condition with a fractured skull and brain bleed, while the firefighter is in serious but improving condition; the fire remains under control with over 200 firefighters on site.
- A full investigation into the cause of the fire and explosions will commence promptly, with the shipyard being a historic site formerly owned by Bethlehem Steel Company.