Investigation underway after New York City explosion kills civilian, wounds over 30 firefighters
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- A fire and explosion at a Staten Island shipyard on Friday resulted in one civilian death and injured over 30 firefighters and first responders, with some sustaining serious injuries.
- The incident began around 3:30 p.m. with reports of a fire and trapped workers, followed by an explosion less than an hour later while emergency personnel were on site.
- Fire Marshal Christopher Cuccaro suffered a fractured skull and brain bleed and remains in critical but stable condition, while another firefighter with serious injuries is reported to be doing well.
- Approximately 200 emergency responders were involved in the response, and investigators continue to search for the cause of the fire and explosion at the 150-foot-by-150-foot metal structure within the shipyard.
- The shipyard, located in the Mariners Harbor neighborhood, has historical significance as a former Bethlehem Steel Company site that built ships for the U.S. Navy during World War II.