An explosion and subsequent fire at a Staten Island shipyard on Friday (May 22) left one civilian dead and injured over 30 people, mostly New York City Fire Department (FDNY) members. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. at 3075 Richmond Terrace, Mariners Harbor. FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore reported that the fire started in the basement of a metal structure at the shipyard.
The FDNY responded to multiple calls about smoke and trapped workers. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and a dire situation. A major explosion around 4:20 p.m. worsened the scene, leading to the injuries of 34 FDNY members, including a critically injured fire marshal and a seriously hurt firefighter. Chief of Department John Esposito noted that a second explosion occurred while firefighters were conducting searches.
The fire marshal, identified as Christopher Cuccaro, suffered a temporal fracture and brain bleed. He remains in critical condition but is stable. Firefighter Vincent Delgado is in serious condition. Both are being treated at Staten Island University Hospital. The cause of the fire is under comprehensive investigation, according to Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The shipyard, once owned by Bethlehem Steel Company, is located in an area with several businesses. The investigation into the cause of the fire will continue once the fire is fully extinguished.
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