Staten Island Shipyard Explosion Leaves One Dead, Dozens Injured

At 3:25 p.m. a barge exploded in Arlington. Crews responded to smoke and two workers trapped in a basement at 3075 Richmond Terrace. A second alarm sounded at 4:08 p.m., and a blast struck at 4:19 p.m. while firefighters were inside. The fire was under control by 7:20 p.m.

Explosion tears through Staten Island shipyard, leaving one dead and 34 firefighters and EMS workers injured

One civilian worker died; his identity was not released. Injury counts differ: the FDNY reported 34 members hurt, while officials cited 35-36 total victims. The most severe injuries are to Fire Marshal Christopher Cuccaro, intubated with a skull fracture and brain bleed, and a firefighter in serious condition.

ABC7 New York

Mamdani praised firefighters for “running towards danger so others could escape to safety.” Bonsignore called the outcome “lucky” because no FDNY personnel died. Esposito warned that “confined spaces are dangerous operations for any rescuers.” Dr. Prezant said the blast produced “silent” energy that can penetrate organs, explaining severe injuries despite limited external wounds.

ABC7 New York

Residents reported a plume and a shock wave. Richard Obiozor said he heard “every single fire truck and police officer on the island” arrive before the blast. Richard Oviogor and a neighbor named Dave described two explosions and a “big shock wave” that rattled nearby businesses.

The Morning Call

Injury tallies vary: the FDNY cites 34 members, while officials report 35-36 total victims. Some accounts mention two explosions, others a third, smaller blast. The fire’s cause, the exact number of trapped workers, and the civilian’s identity remain under investigation.

1 Dead, Dozens Injured After Explosion at Staten Island Shipyard in NYC

• “As the fire grew, first responders did what they always do. They ran towards danger so others could escape to safety.” — Mayor Zohran Mamdani

One dead, over 30 injured, including FDNY firefighters in Staten Island shipyard explosion; Mamdani reacts

• “We got very lucky this day. We got lucky in the sense that none of our people were killed. It's unfortunate that we have one fatality, and they did everything they could for that person,” — Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore

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• “Confined spaces are very dangerous operations for any rescuers,” — FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito

One dead, 34 firefighters injured after Staten Island shipyard fire

• “Blast energy in a confined space… can hit you and penetrate organs,” — Dr. David Prezant, FDNY Chief Medical Officer

The Morning Call

FDNY investigators, with HazMat, the Department of Buildings and the Department of Environmental Protection, will conduct an inquiry into the fire’s origin and blast mechanism. Medical staff will monitor the fire marshal and seriously injured firefighter for brain swelling. City officials ask residents to avoid the area as road closures and traffic delays continue.

New York Post