One civilian, dozens of first responders injured in NYC shipyard explosions

May 22 (UPI) -- One civilian has died and 36 others -- many of whom were first responders -- were injured on Friday after a series of explosions in a New York City shipyard.

Two explosions occurred on a barge Friday afternoon along the North Shore of Staten Island, roughly an hour apart, with firefighters and another civilian also injured.

That area of the North Shore is mostly populated with industrial businesses, including various boating and barge companies, The New York Times and WPIX reported.

"What unfolded was a fast-moving emergency that claimed one life and left more than 30 civilians and first responders injured," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a statement on X.

"The fire is now under control," he said. "We mourn the life that was lost today, and we hold their family in our hearts."

The first explosion was heard just before 3:30 p.m. EDT, which saw more than 200 firefighters and medical personnel respond to the dry-docked barge.

The New York Post reported that people were trapped in confined spaces aboard the barge and, minutes before the second explosion, fire officials called for assistance for those already trapped.

In addition to the civilian who died and the injured civilian, CBS News reported that at least 34 Fire Department of New York firefighters had been injured, two of whom were significantly injured.

In his statement, Mamdani asked New Yorkers to keep the injured and their families in their thoughts and noted the sacrifices of firefighters who responded to the emergency.

"To the first responders who rushed toward danger without hesitation: thank you," Mamdani said.

"As you do every day, you put yourselves in harm's way so others could escape," he said. "Our city owes you a debt of gratitude."

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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 7:09 PM.