Full Breakdown
Fire and Explosion at Staten Island Shipyard Injures 16
5/23/2026, 2:30:53 AM
Event Overview
On Friday, May 22, 2026, a fire ignited in the basement of a metal structure at the shipyard at 3075 Richmond Terrace in Staten Island’s Mariners Harbor after a passerby reported smoke. While firefighters battled the blaze, a major explosion injured at least 16 people, including two firefighters and one civilian with serious injuries. The cause of the fire and explosion remains under investigation.
Timeline
- 3:27–3:30 p.m.: FDNY received a call about two workers trapped; crews found a fire in the basement of a 150 × 150-ft metal structure.
- 4:08 p.m.: A second alarm brought additional resources.
- 4:19–4:20 p.m.: A major explosion shook the dock.
- 5:00 p.m.: FDNY reported 16 injuries and continued suppression.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Sixteen people were treated: three with serious injuries (two firefighters, one civilian), two firefighters with moderate injuries, nine firefighters and two EMS personnel with minor injuries, and the rest with minor injuries. FDNY said more than 200 firefighters and emergency medical personnel from 68 units responded.
Background & Context
The incident occurred at the Richmond Terrace facility, operated by May Ship Repair Contracting Corporation. The dock, formerly owned by Bethlehem Steel, has a shipbuilding history dating to World II. The site sits in Mariners Harbor near a coffee-roasting company, a self-storage facility, and other local businesses.
Official Statements & Responses
FDNY spokesperson Joanne Mariano said the department is conducting a full investigation into the fire’s origin and the blast. She noted that all injured were taken to local hospitals and that the agency continues to monitor the site for safety hazards, including potential hazardous-material concerns. The Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Buildings, and an FDNY HazMat team have also been notified.
On-the-Ground Report
Richard Oviogor, a nearby resident, said he heard two explosions and described the sensation as a “big shock wave,” underscoring the blast’s intensity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the explosion’s timing, citing 4:19 p.m. and 4:20 p.m. as the moment of the blast. Injury counts also vary: some reports list nine firefighters with minor injuries, others note eleven with minor to moderate injuries. No official cause has been released, and it is unclear if any fatalities occurred.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There were more than 200 firefighters and emergency medical personnel from 68 units at the site Friday evening, Mariano said.” — Joanne Mariano, FDNY
What’s Next
HazMat teams, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of Buildings are conducting site assessments. Officials have warned of possible road closures, transit delays, and mass-transit disruptions around Richmond Terrace while the investigation proceeds.
