At least 16 people sustained injuries after a fire and explosion at a shipyard in New York City’s Staten Island.
“The injuries include a civilian, 13 firefighters and two EMS workers,” Gothamist reports.
According to the FDNY, the blast occurred around 4 p.m. at 3075 Richmond Terrace, between Lockman and Andros avenues on the borough’s north shore.
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16 people were injured following an explosion and fire at a shipyard on Staten Island.
The FDNY says they received a report of workers trapped around 3:30 p.m., and a fire in a basement of a metal structure in the back of shipping docks.
They say a major explosion occurred… pic.twitter.com/bVRkT09fVH
— Crime In NYC (@Crime_In_NYC) May 22, 2026
Gothamist shared further:
The NYPD said two workers were painting the vessel when it exploded for unknown reasons. FDNY received the initial call just before 3:30 p.m., reporting workers trapped in a confined space in the dry dock, the department said. Crews found a fire in the basement of a 150-by-150-foot metal structure at the rear of the shipping docks. A second alarm was transmitted just after 4 p.m., and the major explosion followed 11 minutes later, according to FDNY.
One civilian was seriously injured, the FDNY said. Two firefighters were also seriously injured, two more firefighters sustained moderate injuries, and nine firefighters and two EMS workers were treated for minor injuries. All 16 were transported to area hospitals.
ADVERTISEMENTFirefighters were still actively working the incident Friday evening.
The city’s HazMat unit, the Department of Buildings and the Department of Environmental Protection had been notified, officials said.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
More than 200 firefighters and emergency personnel from 68 units arrived at the site.
“I’m praying for those injured, including @FDNY firefighters, during an explosion on Staten Island. We’re closely following this tragic situation,” New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin said.
“Thank you to all the emergency responders for their courage and selflessness in working to contain the fire, help those injured, and keep New Yorkers safe,” she added.
I’m praying for those injured, including @FDNY firefighters, during an explosion on Staten Island. We’re closely following this tragic situation.
Thank you to all the emergency responders for their courage and selflessness in working to contain the fire, help those injured, and… https://t.co/bjK0remK8B
— Speaker Julie Menin (@SpeakerMenin) May 22, 2026
More from the Associated Press:
Richard Oviogor, who was in the area, told WABC-TV that he heard two explosions and what seemed like a “big shock wave.”
The area is home to several businesses, including a coffee roasting company and a self-storage facility. The shipyard used to be owned by the Bethlehem Steel Company, which built ships for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
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